JOHN DUNCAN FERGUSSON, R.B.A. | Cassis from the West

Sotheby's, London, 1 September 1999, lot 1336

London, Alex. Reid & Lefevre, J.D. Fergusson Painting and Sculpture, 1939;
New York, Beadleston Gallery, The Scottish Colourists, 1998

Original canvas. Some areas of faint craquelure. There is a wax patch on the reverse. The work appears to be in very good overall condition and is clean and ready to hang. UV light inspection reveals soem flecked retouchings to the buildings in the lower portion of the canvas with a few minor flecks of retouching in the mountains and sky. There is an area of more concentrated retouching to the lower centre building to the upper right of the green window, this corresponds to the wav patch on the reverse. These retouchings have been sensitivley done and are not visible to the naked eye. Held in a decorative gilt frame and white slip.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present work is a larger version of an oil on panel painted in 1913 on Fergusson and Peploe's last sketching holiday together. Stylistically this later version appears to date from the 1930s, when Fergusson was living in Paris and making regular summer visits to the South of France. In Cassis from the West Fergusson has explored the rhythmic forms of the green hills of Thorenc contrasted with the angularity of the red roofed buildings of the town itself. The work also demonstrates the influence of Cézanne and the Cubists presented in Fergusson's unique visual style.