Lot 6
  • 6

Sir Edwin Henry Landseer, R.A.

Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
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Description

  • Sir Edwin Henry Landseer, R.A.
  • Farewell, Dear Old Chillingham
  • inscribed with title u.c.
  • pen and brown ink with brown wash
  • 18.4 by 11.4 cm.; 7 1/4 by 4 1/2 in.

Provenance

From an album of sketches by Landseer, Wilkie and Count D'Orsay compiled by Lady Ida Louisa Tankerville, daughter of Charles, 6th Earl of Tankerville and wife of John William, 13th Earl of Dalhousie;
Thence by descent to her grandson David Ramsay, by whom sold Christie's, 11 July 1962, lot 23;
Thomas Agnew & Son, where bought by Sir David Scott in November 1962

Condition

Sheet: The sheet has not been laid down, but instead it is attached to a backboard at various points verso. In general the paper has not discoloured, however, located at the extreme top and extreme right of the sheet, there are two subtle bands of paper staining. This may have been the result of previous mounting. On the dog's right cheek there is a very small circular tear, however this can only be seen on very close inspection. Medium: The medium is clear, however the pen and ink has perhaps become less bold over time. Frame: Held in a simple wooden 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

This drawing is a brilliant self-characterisation.  The artist, head in his hands, is caught in a melodrama of his own making.  Gripped by thoughts of leaving his favourite Northumberland haunt, Lord Tankerville's great estate at Chillingham, he crumples with despair: an attitude sympathetically observed by a faithful hound.  The attitude of the dog is a wittily conceit, being directly lifted from the canine friend in The Old Shepherd's Chief Mourner (Victoria and Albert Museum, London).  Landseer is playing a clever artistic game, wrapping his own genuine sadness on leaving Lord Ossulton's house party in his own idiosyncratic style.

We are grateful to Richard Ormond for his help in cataloguing this lot.