Lot 141
  • 141

Thomas Buchanan Read 1822-1872

Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Thomas Buchanan Read
  • Spirit of the Waterfall
  • signed T. Buchanan Read and dated Rome 1870, l.l.
  • oil on canvas
  • 54 by 39 in.
  • 137.2 by 99 cm.

Provenance

George Thacher, Esq., Boston
Private Collection, Montana

Condition

Canvas is not lined. SURFACE: in good condition, generally; canvas is a bit loose on stretcher UNDER ULTRA VIOLET: no apparent inpainting
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.

Catalogue Note

The subject of the painting is Union General Philip Sheridan, hero of the Battle of Cedar Creek, which took place on October 15, 1864.

Read was a well-known poet as well as an artist.  During the Civil War while working for the Union cause, he penned stirring poems and gave public readings to boost morale.  He composed one of the most acclaimed poems of the war, "Sheridan's Ride", on October 31, 1864 to commemorate the general's triumph at Cedar Creek.  The immensely popular poem brought Sheridan and Read together and they became good friends.  Read sketched his portrait from life and painted this work in Rome, where he went to live after the war.  It was one of his last major works.