Weddell, James

Watercolour and ink, (each approximately 200 x 290mm.), the first captioned  "Brig Janes and cutter Beaufoy in the latitude of 74° 15' South returning to the Northward 20th February 1823", the second "Brig Janes and cutter Beaufoy in latitude of South passing to the Southward a chain of Ice Islands. February 1823", framed and glazed, light browning, a few tears

minor browning, a few tears, not examined 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."

WEDDELL USED THESE WATERCOLOUR SKETCHES AS THE BASIS FOR TWO ILLUSTRATIONS IN HIS BOOK A VOYAGE TOWARDS THE SOUTH POLE (1825).

James Weddell (1787-1834) was an English explorer, navigator, and seal hunter who went on on three voyages to the Antarctic (1820-21, 1821-22 and 1822-23). "In 1822, Weddell was sent in command of the brig Jane and the cutter Beaufoy on a sealing expedition to the southern seas. Over the course of two years, they visited and described the Cape Verde Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, and South Georgia Islands, wintered in the Falkland Islands, and described Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia, and Montevideo. During their southward sailing, they reached the highest southern latitude then attained. This area now bears the name Weddell Sea" (Hill).