William Henry Hunt

J. P. Heseltine;
Sir John and Lady Witt;
C. W. Witt;
by descent to the present owner

J. P. Heseltine, John Varley and his pupils, W. Mulready, J. Linnell and W. Hunt. Original drawings in the collection of J. P. Heseltine, 1918, pl. 13;
John Witt, William Henry Hunt (1790-1864) Life and Work, with a Catalogue, 1982, cat. no. 539, pl. 66

The colours are clear and fresh. The paper has not discoloured, although there is a very faint foxmark, above the sitter's head. This can only be seen on very close inspection. The sheet has not been laid down and overall the drawing has been well preserved.
"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 watercolour has been dated to circa 1833. It shows Hunt's wife Sarah Holloway, whom he had married in September 1830. After her marriage, she often modelled for her husband and other known works that include her are: At the Cottage Door and The Outhouse. She features in a third watercolour, entitled Love's Missive, where Hunt has also included the same chest of drawers and chair that appear in the present work (see John Witt, William Henry Hunt (1790-1864) Life and Work, with a Catalogue, 1982, cat. no. 408, pl. 67, cat. no. 321, pl. 15 and cat. no. 529).