- 225
John Ruskin
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description
- John Ruskin
- View of the 'Old Man' at Coniston, as seen from Brantwood House
- Watercolour over pencil, heightened with bodycolour, on blue wove paper
- 168 by 256 mm
Provenance
Godfrey Winn;
by whom given to the father of the present owner
by whom given to the father of the present owner
Condition
This watercolour has remained in very good condition. The watercolour and bodycolour are well preserved. The blue sheet may have lightened very slightly but the overall balance of the has not been disrupted. There are several minor areas of surface dirt but these can only be seen on close inspection. The sheet has been laid down.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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 refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
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 response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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 refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
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."
Catalogue Note
This watercolour shows the view from Brantwood House, Coniston in the south of the Lake District. While staying at Matlock with the artist Arthur Severn in 1871, Ruskin found himself captivated by the area’s scenery and atmosphere. Soon after he returned to London, he discovered that Brantwood House was for sale and without even inspecting it, he paid the asking price of £1,500 and duly secured it. Ruskin never regretted this spontaneous decision and Brantwood was to become his treasured home for the rest of his life.
It has been suggested that the present work dates to circa 1873. Ruskin shows the landscape in a clear, morning light and the existence of snow on the summit of the ‘Old Man of Coniston’ perhaps indicates that it is early spring. A similar watercolour by Ruskin, firmly dated 1873, is now in Abbot Hall Museum, Kendal.
We are grateful to Professor David Hill and Peter Bower for their help in cataloguing this work.
It has been suggested that the present work dates to circa 1873. Ruskin shows the landscape in a clear, morning light and the existence of snow on the summit of the ‘Old Man of Coniston’ perhaps indicates that it is early spring. A similar watercolour by Ruskin, firmly dated 1873, is now in Abbot Hall Museum, Kendal.
We are grateful to Professor David Hill and Peter Bower for their help in cataloguing this work.