Frederick Nash

Agnew's, London

The colours are fresh and strong. The paper has not been discoloured. Along the extreme lower edge of the sheet there is some extremely minor pigment loss. This is perhaps associated with a previous mount. Overall the condition is very good.
"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."

In 1819 Nash began a number of views of Paris which were subsequently purchased by Sir Thomas Lawrence. Some were engraved for Picturesque Views of the City of Paris and its Environs, published in two volumes in 1823 with texts by John Scott and M. P. B. de la Boissière. The present watercolour is close to the plate entitled The Tuileries and Pont Royal, which is accompanied by a text headed 'Pont Royal and the Louvre' (in the first volume, no page numbers). The washerwomen are charmingly referred to in the commentary as women with 'laughing eyes', with 'flapping white caps, richly coloured handkerchiefs, and bare fleshy arms... dragging and dabbling their linen in the Seine'.

Another version of this watercolour, of almost identical size, is in the collection of ING Barings (see John Orbell and Jane Waller, The Art of ING Barings, 2000, p. 52)