David Cox 1783-1859

London, Society of Painters in Watercolour, 1820, no. 228

There has been some overall fading to the colours. The paper has discolored somewhat. There are several repaired tears, located at the extreme edges of the sheet, the largest measures c. 7 cm. The sheet has not been laid down and in general the work is in fair 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."

David Cox visited Bath in 1817 when he produced a set of watercolours of the city. Several were later etched by Smart and Sutherland and published by S. and J. Fuller in 1820 as Six Views of the City of Bath (see N. Solly, Memoir of the Life of David Cox, 1873, pp. 42-43 and 52-53). The present work, one of Cox's largest watercolours, dates from his return visit to Bath in 1819.

This view is full of exciting incident and architectural detail. To the left we look down onto the River Avon, with Laura Place and Great Pulteney Street behind. Beyond is North Parade, Bath Abbey and, at the centre of the composition, the tower of Old St Michael's Church. Lansdowne Crescent, and a cutting that is presumably the beginnings of a new road are visible on the right. Many stonemasons are at work in the foreground, the large blocks of Bath stone (which have been dragged up from the opposite side of Bath on wagons such as the one in the foreground) are a fascinating reminder of how much stone preparation was carried out on site. The wooden rollers and pole in the foreground are clearly for moving the stone once it was offloaded from the wagons.