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

London, Royal Academy, 1935, no. 609

The sheet is sound. The work is in good original condition, clean and ready to hang. The colours are fresh. Held in a simple gold painted wooden frame in fair condition. Under glass and unexamined out of 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."

Born in 1880, William Russell Flint gained his early artistic training as a lithographic artist in Edinburgh between 1894 and 1900 and personally recalled of this period that 'what I missed most during those sensitive years is incalculable but in compensation I acquired the habit of discipline and the skill which has served me well.' This sense of discipline is reflected in the consistently high quality and precision with which he was able to work. In the introduction of Ralph Lewis's biography of 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 further presents Flint as "the greatest master technically of the elusive water-colour method of art."

Alethea is a truly splendid example of Flint's virtuous command of watercolour and the use of his favourite subject, the nude. 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 glorious abandon. A number of outstanding works have been offered on the market recently, Nicollet (Sold at Sotheby's, Gleneagles, 26 August 2008, Lot 170), 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 Alethea and display the control and finesse which is so keenly associated with Flint's finest work. As 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."