John Young Hunter

By descent through the artist's family

London, Fine Art Society, Figure Pictures in Oil, Tempera and Watercolour by J Young Hunter and Mary Y Hunter, 1903, no. 18;
London, Pyms Gallery, Edwardian Pre-Raphaelites, The Art of John and Mary Young Hunter, June 2000, no. 24

Alfred Lys Baldry, 'The Work of Mr and Mrs J Young Hunter', in The Studio, vol. 28, 1903, illustrated p. 275;
Austin Chester, 'The Art of Mr. J Young Hunter', in The Windsor Magazine, Vol. 30, October 1909, p. 504, illustrated p. 492

STRUCTURE This picture is unlined and in excellent original condition. The colours are strong but the picture may benefit from a light clean. There are no signs of craquelure and the paint surface appears to be stable throughout. UNDER ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT There are retouchings to the background and the varnish appears uneven. FRAME This picture is contained in a simple and attractive ebonised and gilt frame in good condition.
"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 visionary painting, recalling the fairy tales of the brothers Grimm and the illustrations of Arthur Rackham and Gustave Dore, takes its title from an event in the life of the French playwright and philosopher, Voltaire. The white stork symbolises Voltaire himself, who exiled to Ferney in Switzerland, spent his time protecting the townspeople from religious intolerance. Frederick the Great, King of Prussia called Voltaire a stork, for reasons that are not clear; Hunter's biographer suggested that it was due to the 'loud noise made by the chattering' of the bird.