Samuel Spode

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. There are three very small areas of paint loss in the lower left of the picture and an even cracquelure in the sky in keeping with age. ULTRAVIOLET Ultraviolet light reveals infilling of the cracquelure on the centre left of the picture. There has been further restoration to the painting by the back legs of the horse and in the lower right by the frame. FRAME Held in a gilt wood 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."

'Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon in front of them, Volleyed and Thundered; Stormed at with shot and shell, Boldly they rode and well, Into the jaws of Death, into the mouth of Hell, Rode the six hundred.'

Immortalised by Alfred, Lord Tennyson in his epic poem, the Charge of the Light Brigade is one of the most infamous events in British military history. Denigrated by many as a monumental catastrophe and heralded by others as a stunningly heroic victory, the concluding saga in the Battle of Balaclava was led by Major General the Earl of Cardigan and his charger Ronald.