Joseph Arthur Palliser Severn

The Maas Gallery, London, March 2005

The sheet does not appear to be laid down, undulates very slightly. Two lines of discolouration related to the frame along the upper and right edges, otherwise the work appears in good overall condition. Held in gilt composite frame under glass; 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."

Severn captures the moment the sun lowers towards the horizon with orange and red colours bleeding through the sky and glazing the beautiful shimmering blue waters of the sea. 

From a well-known artistic family (his father Joseph, brother Walter and sister Mary were also painters), Severn was closely linked to John Ruskin; he married the famous art critic's niece Joan Ruskin Agnew in 1871. Severn joined Albert Goodwin and Ruskin on a trip to Italy in 1872 and the present work illustrates the influence of Ruskin's artistic theories. Joseph and Joan joined Ruskin at his home at Brantwood, Coniston Water for the last thirty years of his life and it was here that Severn executed many exquisite works with meticulous detail and intense colour. Ruskin left Brantwood to Joseph and Joan when he died in 1900. His wishes were that the house and its collection be open to the public for at least thirty days a year, but the Severns broke the agreement and sold many important works from the collection.

Severn was a technically gifted artist, particularly in watercolour and exhibited at the Royal Academy and New Watercolour Society as well as other well known institutions and galleries.