John Frederick Lewis R.A.

Dr. John Rothenstein;
Lucy Dynevor;
her sale, London, Sotheby's Olympia, 26 March 2003, lot 35 to the present owner

Possibly, London, Royal Academy, Annual Exhibition, 1836, no. 583 (as A Barbary Jewess: Sketched at Tangier);
London, Leicester Galleries, Artists of Fame and Promise, Part 2, 1945, no. 16

The colours in this work have remained strong. The sheet has been stained as a result of exposure to light. At the extreme left edge of the sheet there are two repaired tears, the largest measures 2cm. The sheet has not been laid down and is attached to a non- acidic backboard at the extreme upper edge.
"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 was created in either Gibraltar or Tangier in May 1833, during Lewis's extended visit to Spain in 1832-1833. Several other drawings of this lady survive. These include studies of her seated, in profile (Sotheby's, London, 25 November 2004, lot 221) and standing, in profile (Sotheby's, London, 16 July 1992, lot 150). A third drawing, inscribed Jewess of Barbary, was sold at Sotheby's, London, 17 June 1970, lot 143.

The same model was also adapted by the artist for a drawing engraved by W. Finden as Jephtha's Daughter.¹ This watercolour appears to be the most deliberately composed of the group. It may be the work exhibited by Lewis as; A Barbary Jewess; sketched at Tangiers, exhibited at the Royal Academy exhibition of 1836.

We are grateful to Briony Llewellyn for her assistance when cataloguing this lot.

1. W. Finden, Byron Beauties: or the Principle Female Characters in Lord Byron's Poems, London, 1836.