David Cox, R.W.S.

Mary Eberhart;
by family descent  

The colours, although faded slightly, have remained bold. The gum arabic is generally stable, however there is evidence of very minor cracking to some parts of the gum arabic. These areas can only be seen on very close inspection. The paper has not been laid down, although it is heavily attached to the original backboard, at various points verso. The work overall is in good condition.
"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."

This carefully observed watercolour can perhaps be compared to a series of still lives that J.M.W. Turner made while staying at Walter Fawkes' home Farnley Hall, Yorkshire between 1815 and 1820. Like Cox here, Turner illustrated, amongst other birds, dead grouse, pheasant and blackcock (see Andrew Wilton, The Life and Work of J.M.W. Turner, 1979, nos. 632-635).

Mrs Eberhart (referred to as Mrs Eberhardt in the present work) is recorded as a collector of Cox, buying a large watercolour of Sherwood Forest with grand oak trees for £140 (see N. Neil Solly, Memoir of the life of David Cox, 1873, (1973 reprint), p. 224)