- 257
Gerald Leslie Brockhurst, R.A.
Estimate
20,000 - 25,000 GBP
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Description
- Gerald Leslie Brockhurst, R.A.
- Duchess of Argyll
- signed
- oil on canvas
- 76 by 63.5cm.; 30 by 25in.
Provenance
Margaret, Duchess of Aygyll
Sale: Phillip's, London, 5 November 1991, lot 99 (as 'Portrait of a Lady')
Sale: Phillip's, London, 5 November 1991, lot 99 (as 'Portrait of a Lady')
Condition
The work has been scuffed within the lower left quadrant. Otherwise it appears to be in its original condition.
Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals spots of retouching in the head of the figure and the sky.
"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 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."
Catalogue Note
Gerald L. Brockhurst studied at the Birmingham School of Art, after which he attanded the the Royal Academy School of London. He received a Gold medal and a Travelling Scholarship in 1931 which enabled him to visit both Paris and Italy to study the work of the Italian Renaissance painters, notably Piero della Francesca and Leonardo da Vinci.
From 1915 to 1919 Brockhurst lived in Ireland and was influenced by the simplicity of the work of Augustus John. In 1919 he returned to London and held his first significant exhibition at the Chenil Gallery. It was this exhibition that launched his career and enabled him to advertise his work to future society patrons. The exhibition was reviewed by Vogue magazine amongst many others. Brockhurst soon became a very fashionable portrait painter with famous sitters such as Marlene Dietrich, Lady Doverdale and the Duchess of Windsor.
Brockhurst usually painted his figures in half length against stark rocky landscapes and vast skys. In the case of the Duchess of Argyll, Brockhurst's landscape features mountains and woodlands reminiscent of her native Scotland. Both the landscape and expression seen within this work are not to dissimilar to that of Leonardo's masterpiece Mona Lisa, of which Brockhurst was so fond. The pose and unflinching gaze are compelling and hold the viewer's attention without giving too much of the Duchess' character away and is a signature of Brockhurst's work of the 30s' and 40s'.
From 1915 to 1919 Brockhurst lived in Ireland and was influenced by the simplicity of the work of Augustus John. In 1919 he returned to London and held his first significant exhibition at the Chenil Gallery. It was this exhibition that launched his career and enabled him to advertise his work to future society patrons. The exhibition was reviewed by Vogue magazine amongst many others. Brockhurst soon became a very fashionable portrait painter with famous sitters such as Marlene Dietrich, Lady Doverdale and the Duchess of Windsor.
Brockhurst usually painted his figures in half length against stark rocky landscapes and vast skys. In the case of the Duchess of Argyll, Brockhurst's landscape features mountains and woodlands reminiscent of her native Scotland. Both the landscape and expression seen within this work are not to dissimilar to that of Leonardo's masterpiece Mona Lisa, of which Brockhurst was so fond. The pose and unflinching gaze are compelling and hold the viewer's attention without giving too much of the Duchess' character away and is a signature of Brockhurst's work of the 30s' and 40s'.