Julius Caesar Ibbetson

Sold by Order of the Executors of the Estate of M. Bernard, Sotheby's London, 14th March 1984, lot 79

London, Royal Academy, 1798, no. 305;

R.M. Clay, Julius Caesar Ibbetson (1759-1817), 1948, p. 49;
J. Mitchell, Julius Caesar Ibbetson (1759-1817) 'The Berchem of England,' 1999, p. 71

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. There are no apparent areas of paint loss or abrasion to the surface. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals minor retouching to the foliage in the upper left of the painting as well as strengthening throughout the sky. There is also some minor scattered retouching in the lower section of the picture, with a layer of new varnish overall. FRAME Held in a carved and gilded wooden 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."

In February 1797, in the same month that Admirals Jervis and Nelson defeated the Spaniards off Cape St. Vincent, the French landed a small invasion force on the Welsh coast with the aim of capturing Bristol and other sea-ports. The Pembrokshire Militia and yeomanry, joined by thousands of untrained local men armed with pikes and scythes attacked the French before the arrival of regular soldiers, and forced the surrender of nearly all of the fourteen hundred invaders. There was a genuine fear in 1797 among the local authorities that the French landing would encourage Welsh Jacobins and nonconformists to rise up in revolt, but disenchantment with the protracted war with France and the rise of Napoleon ensured unanimity of purpose among the local population in fighting off the French attacks.

The spirited band was led by John Campbell (1753-1821), Governor of Milford Haven from 1780 and the M.P. for Cardigan from 1780 until 1796, in which year he was created first Baron Cawdor of Castlemartin. Five years previously Ibbetson and Robert Fulke Grevill had stayed at his home, Stackpole Court, and admired the spectacular coastline which, in its remoteness, had now proved so inviting to the French. In 1789 Campbell, a philanthropist and bibliophile, married Lady Caroline Howard (1771-1848), the estranged daughter of the fifth Earl of Carlisle.

We are grateful to James Mitchell for allowing us to use his research into this painting.