[Tolkien, J.R.R.]--Blanche, John

355 by 565mm., fine ink, watercolour and gouache drawing, signed and dated lower left, mounted, framed and glazed

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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 downfall of Númenor is related by J.R.R. Tolkien in the fourth part of The Silmarillion. David Day in A Tolkien Bestiary notes that "Sauron falsely counselled the proud Númenóreans and corrupted them, and so the Númenóreans made war on the Valar in the Undying Lands. And, for this act, Ilúvatar caused the fair land of Númenor to burst asunder".

Blanche’s depiction of this scene was published, as a double-page illustration, on pages 110-111 of David Day’s A Tolkien Bestiary (first published by Mitchell Beazley in 1979).