Edward Snell 1820-1880

bidding is closed

Description

Edward Snell
The St George and the Arethusa on the Hamoaze near Bull Point
signed l.r.: Edwd Snell/ The St George, and Arethusa/ on the Hamoaze near Bull Point. Jan 1860
oil on canvas

Condition

STRUCTURE Original canvas PAINT SURFACE There is some scattered minor dirt and broad areas of craquelure in keeping with the age of the painting. ULTRA VIOLET Ultra violet light reveals areas of previous restoration at center right, the area above the sun and repairs to the left and right extreme edges of the canvas. FRAME Held in an ornate gilt plaster frame
"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."

Catalogue Note

Edward Snell was principally an engineer but turned his hand to surveying, exploration and of course, painting. In 1849 he left for Australia where he finally won the contract to build the first country railway from Geelong to Melbourne. This project was besset by financial and technical difficulties which left his reputation as an engineer somewhat tarnished. In March 1858 Snell returned to England with his wife Charlotte and their three children. He had acquired considerable wealth and settled in a grand house on the Cornish side of the river Tamar very near the site of the present work.

The detail of the present work is exceptional down to the markings of the paddle tug Fairy. The St. George departed from Plymouth the following year, sailing to Barbadoes, Halifax, Cape Breton, Vera Cruz and then to Bermuda before returning to England in March 1862.