William Walcot R.B.A., R.E.

Acquired directly from the artist;
Thence by family descent to the present owner

London, Selfridges, 1935;
London, The Studio of William Walcot, 5 Grafton Street, 1939;
Bradford, Corporation Art Gallery

The Illustrated London News, 15 July 1939, p.120 

Good original condition. Staining to mount and inside of glass. Offered in the original frame; under glass and unexamined out of 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."

The earliest of four Etruscan Temples, Jupiter Capitolinus in Rome was built entirely of wood and decorated with terracotta. Etruscan religious rites necessitated that a joint temple to the Triad of Deities of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva be built in every new town. The plan of this temple on the Tarpeian rock was made by Tarquin Priscus and begun by Servius Tullius and finished by Tarquin Superbus. It was consecrated by the Consols Horatius after the expulsion of the Tarquins from Rome in 509 B.C. It was burnt down in 83 B.C. during the civil war of Marius. This temple was followed by three more temples, the last being built by Domitian in A.D. 80.

William Walcot also produced a series of etchings based on the theme of ancient temples. The ornately decorated metal frame is original and was designed by the artist.