JAMES HAYLLAR | As Tall as Mother

Private Collection, New Jersey
Acquired from the above by the present owner 

London, Royal Academy, 1898, no. 972

"Pictures of 1898," Pall Mall Magazine, London, 1898, p. 67, illustrated 
Henry Blackburn, Academy Notes, London, 1898, p. 27, illustrated p. 139 

The following condition report was kindly provided by Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.: This work does not seem to have been recently restored. The canvas has a wax lining that could easily be reversed. The paint layer is mostly stable, with a couple of areas on either side of the old man's head possibly showing slight instability. The cracking is slightly raised, which can easily be resolved if the wax lining reversed. Under ultraviolet light, retouches are visible around the extreme edges. There are three spots of retouching to the left of the old man's head, one retouch in the cheek of the little girl at the back of the table, and two restorations in the left shoulder of the old lady. The retouches around the edges are slightly heavy handed, and the wax lining is not ideal, but the work is in good condition overall.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

James Hayllar was both a notable painter of Victorian genre and the father of four recognized artists: daughters Edith, Jessica, Mary and Kate.