A GREAT BRITISH COLLECTION: The pictures collected by Sir David and Lady Scott, sold to benefit the Finnis Scott Foundation

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Lot 32
  • 32

John Christian Schetky

Estimate
1,200 - 1,800 GBP
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Description

  • John Christian Schetky
  • H.M.S Victory and other ships in Portsmouth dockyard
  • signed l.l.: J.C. Schetky / 11th: Dec - 1863, and further inscribed with the names of the ships 

  • pen and brown ink with brown washes over pencil

  • 18.9 by 27 cm.; 7 1/2 by 10 3/4 in.

Provenance

Admiral Sir Charles Thomas Scott;
Thence by descent to his son Sir David Scott in 1911

Condition

Sheet: The sheet has not been laid down, but instead it has been attached to a backboard along the extreme edges verso. Paint surface: The medium remains strong and clear. There is a very small waterstain located within the sky at the centre right, however this can only be seen on very close inspection and it does not detract from the image. Frame Held in a decorative gilded 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."

Catalogue Note

'The buildings of the dockyard are in the background and the triple-decker on the left is H.M.S. Victory, Nelson's flagship.' Sir David Scott

H.M.S. Victory had returned to England carrying the body of Lord Nelson following his death at Trafalgar in 1805.  Seven years later it was retired from duty but remained in service anchored in Portsmouth Harbour.  She was not moved to her present position at the Royal Dockyard at Portsmouth until 1922.

As Painter in Ordinary to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Schetky was required to record the arrival of Princess Alexandria of Denmark, the future wife of Edward VII, who came ashore at Gravesend in March 1863.  The resulting picture, executed in pen and ink, was completed in June and Schetky was granted an audience with the Royal couple at Marlborough House where it was favourably received.  Later that year Schetky was invited on board the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert where he was invited to show some his recent drawings; Queen Victoria admired them greatly and purchased The Wreck of HMS Orpheus on the Manakan Bar.  The present work is also a particularly fine example of draughtsmanship from this period.