Sir William Russell Flint, R.A., P.R.W.S.

W. Russell Button, Chicago;
Private Collection

The canvas is original. On close inspection there is some very light frame abrasion to the extreme edges. On very close inspection there is some extremely light surface dirt in places. Otherwise the work is in good original condition and ready to hang. Ultraviolet light reveals no sign of retouching. Held in a lightly decorated carved wood frame in fair condition.
"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."

In the introduction of Ralph Lewis's biography of Sir William Russell Flint, Adrian Bury describes how "in the infinite variety of temperament, vision, technique, achievement, despair and triumph recorded in the long history of art, Sir William Russell Flint takes a unique place. At its best his work is perfect and without criticism." Bury presents Flint as "the greatest master technically of the elusive water-colour method of art" but does not fully discuss his ability to paint in oil. Nicollet is one of the finest oil paintings Flint was to produce and naturally he used his favourite subject, the nude. William Russell Flint's nubile young ladies have become the epitome of sensual glamour from the first few decades of the twentieth century. Like Hollywood screen-goddesses or fashion models, they often strut, pose and recline in various attitudes of sensual abandon. Flint consciously includes items of modern dress such as a pair of silk slippers, loosely draped robes or as in the case of Nicollet, a silk head scarf which highlights her nudity as she provocatively reclines upon a vibrantly colourful. The composition is perfectly balanced, Nicollet dominating the space with supreme confidence and poise. The viewer's eye is at once drawn across each contour of her figure, finding little distraction from the explosive colour scheme of the surrounding areas of the canvas. Two outstanding watercolours to have been offered on the market recently, Belle Poseuse (Sold at Sotheby's, Gleneagles, 29 August 2007, Lot 179) and Sandy Bastion (Sold at Sotheby's, Edinburgh, 1 May 2008, Lot 105) provide a fitting comparison to Nicollet and in the translation of the subject from watercolour to oil, Flint has lost none of the control and finesse which is so keenly associated with his finest work. As Adrian Bury further identifies, "the artist combined thought, feeling and knowledge of the subject with confidence and love, and he communicated that love to the spectator in unmistakable terms. Such is the reason for his universal success with artists, connoisseurs and the public in general." Nicollet is one of the most outstanding examples of William Russell Flint's work in oil that has been seen at auction.