George W. Waters

Jervis Langdon, Elmira, New York
Frank Speno, Ithaca (acquired from the above)
By descent from the above, the father of the present owner

In generally good condition. The canvas is lined; widely scattered apparent craquelure in sky. Under ultraviolet light: inpainting to address frame abrasion at edges, especially lower left and left bottom edges. Additional scattered inpainting in rocks at left shoreline, a line extending from top edge center, and a small spot in lake at lower right.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This painting originally hung in the Elmira, New York home of wealthy businessman, Mr. Jervis Langdon, of Langdon Coal Company.  Langdon's daughter, Olivia Langdon Clemens, was the wife of Mark Twain and it was much of her inheritance that the famous writer lost when investing in James Paige's typesetting machine.  The work was acquired from the Langdon Home by Mr. Frank Speno, the inventor and president of Speno Railroad Ballast Cleaning Company of Ithaca, New York.