Thomas Gainsborough R.A. 1727 - 1788

Dr Thomas Monro's sale, Christie's London, 26th June 1833;
William Esdaile's sale, Christie' s London, 20-1st March 1838;
Anonymous sale, Boerner and Graupe, Berlin, 10-11 May 1930, lot 74;
Denys Wells

London, Art Exhibitions Bureau, Early English Watercolours and Drawings by European Masters from the Denys Wells Collection, n. d., no. 18

J. Hayes, The Drawings of Thomas Gainsborough, 1970, no. 324

There has been some overall fading of the medium. The colours are somewhat muted. The sheet has not been laid down, but instead is attached to the back board in two places verso. There are two smaller tears at the extreme edge of the sheet. In general the work is in good 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."

Current scholarship dates this drawing to circa 1770 and the Late John Hayes suggests that it relates to a drawing in the Huntington Library and Art Gallery, San Marino, entitled Hilly Wooded Landscape with Herdsman and Cattle, (John Hayes, The Drawings of Thomas Gainsborough, no. 313, pl. 108).

The gold stamped monogram, which appears twice in the lower right hand corner of the sheet, is likely to indicate that Gainsborough felt this drawing was finished and presentable for sale, or as a gift.