Samuel Bough R.S.A. 1822-1878

Glasgow, George Davidson;
Private collection

STRUCTURE This picture is relined and in good condition with clear colouring throughout. There is fine craquelure through the sky but the paint surface appears to be stable throughout. UNDER ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT The varnish appears opaque under UV light. There are old retouchings in the sky and sea which appear to be infillings to craquelure. FRAME Contained in a decorative plaster moulded 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."

The Fifeshire coast was a favourite painting site for Bough and he propably frequented it more than any other place and returned there year after year o find subjects for his dramatic pictures. He delighted in the industry of the coast, with the busy fishing ports of St. Monance, Anstruther, Pittenweem and Dysart and was fascinated by the hard-working and rugged people that made their living from the sea;   'The peculiarities of the folk inhabiting the kingdom of Fife attracted his attention in a marked degree. He saw, or thought he saw, in the natives some of the characteristics which distinguish the people of Yorkshire from those of other English counties. They had the same talent for hard and close-fisted bargaining, and something of the same native craft and guile... Fishermen, as a rule, live in a world of their own. They know little or nothing of the ways and doings of landsmen; and from childhood have been accustomed to view things from a totally different standpoint.' (Sidney Gilpin, Sam Bough, R.S.A., Some Account of his Life and Works, 1905, pp. 108-109) In the present picture, Bough placed the fishermen in a prominent central position, crowded into the small fishing vessels embarking upon th dangerous open ocean at dawn. Sea birds skim the surface of the water as day breaks over Dysart harbour and the effect of the radiance of the brilliant sunlight spreading across the tranquil waters is cleverly captured.