Sir William Russell Flint, R.A., P.R.W.S. 1880-1969

STRUCTURE This watercolour is in excellent original condition with bright colours throughout. There are no signs of foxing or staining and no tears or holes. The paper is undulating a little. FRAME This picture is contained in a moulded plaster frame, with a clean mount and under glass.
"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."

The model for Belle Posuese was the beautiful Rachel (known as Ray, Rae or Blondie) Fuller, of whom Sir Charles Wheeler P.R.A. wrote in his biography High Relief; ' for a female model both my wife and I depended largely on Rachel Fuller. She came to us as a child of fourteen, very shy slim and lovely and for many years sat for us for sculpture, drawings and paintings. She had a natural aptitude for sitting and could keep a pose for long stretches. Rae sat for many of my works including the Jelico fountain and the gilt bronze Ariel on the Bank of England. I made numerous drawings from her and so did many painters. James Gunn painted arms and hands of many of his portraits, including the state portrait of the Queen, helped by sittings from Rae and Russell Flint and W. E. Webster made her into romantic subject pictures.'

Rachel was in her mid forties when Flint painted this sensual depiction of one of his most delectable models.