Thomas Gainsborough R.A. 1727 - 1788

Henry Oppenheimer;
his sale, Christie's London, 14 July 1936, lot 455 (bt. Williams);

Sir Charles Holmes, 'Henry Oppenheimer, A Collector and his Ways', The Studio, 1936, p. 118 (illustrated p. 126);
John Hayes, The Drawings of Thomas Gainsborough, 1970, no. 775

The sheet is laid down. There is evidence of some paper discoloration (visible around the edges of the sheet). There are minor fox-marks throughout the sheet. The medium itself is strong and clear.
"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."

In this late work, once part of the prestigious Henry Oppenheimer collection, Gainsborough depicts an untamed and wild landscape. Using the meandering river as a means of drawing the viewer into the composition, Gainsborough places buildings in the middle distance, with cliffs and mountains beyond.

John Hayes observes that Gainsborough’s ‘treatment of the foliage and the buildings, the outlining of the distant mountains in white chalk, and the chalk-work throughout are similar to the Wooded Mountain Landscape with Shepherd, Sheep and Donkey' (John Hayes, lit. op. cit.,1970, no. 774).