Abraham Solomon

Christie's, London, 16 March 1973, lot 148 as Two Sportsmen Greeting Two Ladies in a Highland Landscape where bought by J. S. Maas & Co., London, on behalf of Lady Scott for £546

STRUCTURE The panel is in good condition. PAINT SURFACE Very small minor spots of fine craquelure to the standing gentleman's coat and red dress and to the left. Otherwise in good overall condition. ULTRAVIOLET UV light reveals no visible retouching. FRAME Held in a simple gold composite 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."

Abraham Solomon established a considerable reputation as a painter of contemporary genre and literary subjects. He began his career painting scenes from Scott, Sterne, Moliére and Goldsmith, but had his greatest success with modern dramas. His most famous work is 1st Class, The Meeting and its pendant 2^nd Class, The Parting of 1854 (National Railway Museum, York), depicting railway carriage interiors of contrasting classes of passengers. These paintings were hugely successful and were published as best selling engravings. In 1857 he painted Waiting for the Verdict and The Acquittal (Tate), depicting the nervous family of a man accused of a crime awaiting news of his trial, and the happy reunion. The Valour of Love is in the same romantic vein as The Lion in Love of 1858 (private collection), which depicts an older suitor threading a needle for his young beloved. In this painting an elegant young sportsman seems to be attracted by two pretty girls, much to the irritation of another suitor.