Edwin Long

Original canvas and stretcher. With the exception of an old 30cm vertical repaired tear in the upper right background running through the feathers and the butts of the two guns (patched on the reverse), and two further 5 cm horizontal repaired tears in the butt resting on the floor and in the tiled floor skirting immediately to the right (patched on the reverse), the surface is in good condition. Ultraviolet light reveals retouching to these repairs. Framed in a 10cm-wide coved gilt wood frame with rococo-style decorations at the corners.
"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 The Palace Guard a maidservant leans languidly against an intricately-ornamented wall while observing a palace sentry drinking coffee. The painting exemplifies Long's mastery at painting textures and surfaces, from the textiles and embroidery, to the incised metals and gleaming tiles.

Born in Bath, Edwin Long studied at the Royal Academy from 1849, and was a student under John Phillip. The latter encouraged his penchant for travel, and Long began his life-long search for exotic subjects in Spain, visiting the country regularly between 1857-73. In 1874 he visited Egypt and Syria, which ignited his career as an Orientalist painter.