Henry Scott Tuke, R.A., R.W.S.

Christie's, London, 4 March 1988, lot 46

The panel is slightly bowed. There are two small hairline cracks, one to the upper left and to the lower right, both approx 1½in. long; otherwise good overall condition. Under ultraviolet light there are some very minor flecks of retouching to the torso and to the upper left hairline crack. Held under glass in a gilt wood frame; 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."

In 1895 Johnny Jackett was sixteen when he first posed for Tuke and he went on to pose for no fewer than eight major pictures by the artist over a period of twelve years. They probably met when Johnny’s father, a local boat-builder was working on Red Heart, Tukes sailing boat. Johnny was not only a highly-accomplished boatman, he was the cycling champion of Cornwall several times in the 1890s and became famous at a rugby player, captaining the Cornish XV on many occasions and playing as full-back for England thirteen times between 1905 and 1909. Tuke greatly supported Johnny’s sporting achievements an tried never to miss a match. The present sketch shows Johnny in midday sunlight against golden flowering gorse and an azure Cornish sea.