Sir David Wilkie, R.A., 1785-1841

Messers Graves and Warmsley, London

Sir David Wilkie's Sketches in Turkey, Syria and Egypt 1840-1841, London, 1843, pl. V

The sheet has scattered spots of foxing throughout and is very slightly discoloured with age. Otherwise in good overall condition. Held under glass within a mount in a gold painted frame. 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."

As the introduction to Sir David Wilkie's Sketches in Turkey, Syria and Egypt 1840-1841 suggests, "Wilkie in realising his object, would have shed a new light upon scriptural painting, for he was perfectly correct in assuming that the personal characteristics of the nations of sacred history are to be approached only through those of their modern representatives...and laboured so devotedly to their fulfilment." In 1939 the sitter in the current picture, who serving as Captain of H.M.S. Vanguard, was promoted to Commander of the Turkish Navy as part of the re-organisation led by the Turkish Ambassador with the assistance of the British Government. The current works were some of the last that Wilkie was to produce as he died onboard the Orient on 1st June 1841 whilst retuning home from this visit to the Holy Cities, "cut off before he could give to the world the matured fruits of his pilgrimage."