Francis William Edmonds 1806-1863

(Sale:  Christie's, New York, May 31, 1985, lot 26)
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Buffalo, Burchfield Center, Recognizing the Painterly Tradition in American Art:  1850-1920, 1980, no. 26

Canvas is lined. SURFACE: in generally good condition; craquelure throughout (stabilized and flattened from relining); while there is generally good pigment retention, there are a few thin areas--mostly the rust colored pigments (cobbler's apron, upper part of boot, wall/margins along edges UNDER ULTRA VIOLET: a few scattered repaired tears (largest is at lower left in darks to the right of hanging shoes--this one is roughly upside-down "V" shaped--legs are about 2 in. long); figure is clean--except for a spot at his right elbow and a few dots on his hat; aside from this, scattered dots/dashes, mostly craq. fill-in
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The image of the present work is based on a mezzotint by W. Giller, first published in 1832 after a painting of 1829 by Henry Liverseege entitled The Weekly Register .Other artists were inspired by this image as well, among them William Holman Hunt.  The mezzotint is reproduced in the book, William Holman Hunt: A Catalogue Raisonne, by Judith Bronkhurst, New Haven and London, 2006, volume I, fig.3 on p.92.