Duncan Grant

There are six artist's pinholes within, and towards the upper left corner, although these were probably caused by the artist during the creation of the work. There are areas of craquelure within the mauve and blue bands, the figure, and especially towards the lower edge where some paint loss has occurred. There are indentations within the upper section of the figure, the lower left corner, the top of the green band and towards the top of the purple band. There is some minor paint loss to the indentation within the purple band. The canvas protrudes within the upper section of the figure, and the upper and lower right corners. The work has been chipped within the upper section of the figure. There is an inconsistency within the weave, that runs horizontally across the canvas towards the lower edge. There are spots of staining towards the lower edge. Held in a black wooden frame. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals areas of retouching within the figure. There are areas that fluoresce towards the lower edge where liquid appears to have been spilt on the surface of the work.
"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 present work was a design produced for 'The Green Man' pub sign, circa 1942. Sir Kenneth Clark's first wife, Jane was asked to edit a King Penguin book of English pub signs. Old signs were to be reproduced by the side of especially commissioned new ones, and among the painters she asked were Duncan Grant, Graham Sutherland, Paul Nash and John Piper.

The model for this work was Paul Roche, Duncan Grant's friend for over three decades. Paul Roche was a classical scholar, translator and novelist, but was best known for his works of poetry. 

The composition in the background of the painting appears to have been inspired by a collage that hung in Grant's studio at Charleston from circa 1915.