Lot 18
  • 18

CARL HAAG | The Ruins of the Temple of the Sun, Palmyra

Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 GBP
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Description

  • Attributed to Carl Haag
  • The Ruins of the Temple of the Sun, Palmyra
  • signed, dated and inscribed: Carl Haag. / Palmyra 1859. lower right
  • watercolour over traces of pencil, heightened with bodycolour, scratching out, stopping out and gum arabic
  • 76 by 132 cm., 30 1/8 by 52 1/4 in.
THE RUINS OF THE TEMPLE OF THE SUN, PALMYRA

Provenance

The Fine Art Society, London, by 1968
Probably purchased from the above by the present owner

Exhibited

London, Old Watercolour Society, 1860, no. 105

Condition

The pigments in this watercolour appear to have survived with remarkable vibrancy. At the upper right hand corner of the sky there is a repaired tear, this is only noticeable on close inspection. There are occasional foxmarks, these are very minor. At the upper left hand corner of the sheet, the paper has moved a little, to create soft and subtle waves, which has only be seen in certain lights. Overall the work is in excellent condition.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Between 1858 and 1860 Carl Haag travelled extensively in the Middle East. In October 1859 he made the acquaintance of Sheikh Medjuel el Mezrab and his English wife, Jane Digby, formally, Lady Ellenborough (1807-1881). The Sheikh was the leader of the Sebbah tribe and he granted Haag permission to travel to Palmyra and paint the ruins of Queen Zenobia's ancient city. The present watercolour, which is impressive in its scope and scale, was exhibited by Haag upon his return to London in 1860.