Thomas Smith of Derby fl.1745-1767

Anon. sale, Sotheby's, 29th November 2001, lot 192

STRUCTURE The canvas has been cleaned and lined. The work is in need of no further attention and is ready to hang. PAINT SURFACE The paint surface is in good condition. There is a weave of craquelure to the paint surface. This is characteristic for a painting of this age. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals a small vertical damage to the lower right hand corner, with associated repaint. There are some scattered retouchings in the sky and in the foreground, as well as some minor infilling to lines of old craquelure in the sky. CONCLUSION The work is in good condition with bright colours.
"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."

Thomas Smith of Derby, known as Smith Derby, is mentioned by Vertue in 1743 "some large ... landskips (sic) by ... Smith are of a good manner and taste is worthy of commendation. and does honour to the Art of Painting in that kind in England". Edward Edwards wrote that Smith "attained his art by his own industry' and was 'one of the finest artists who explored and displayed the beautiful scenes of his native country".

Smith worked mainly in the Midlands, painting picturesque landscapes in Yorkshire, Derbyshire, the Lake District and in Leicestershire, including a view of Chatsworth in circa 1743, and a view of Staunton Harold Hall, in Leicestershire, in circa 1750. A rare artist, he is best known for the engravings of his work by Francis Vivares. The pair of them are known to have sketched in Yorkshire and the Lake District circa 1752, and their Forty Views of the Peak, which were published by John Boydell in 1760 are probably his best known works. He also painted a view of Haddon Hall, and it has been suggested that this rare early hunting scene may be a view near Belvoir, the very heart of fox hunting country.