Friedrich Nerly

Lady Crossley, Combermere Abbey, Shropshire (since before 1925); thence by descent to the present owner

The canvas has been re-lined. There are a few scattered flecks of retouching visible under ultraviolet light, notably to the sky. Apart from scattered fine craquelure, this work is in overall very good condition, with rich colours and fine detail. Held in a decorative, gold-painted moulded plaster and wood frame with a name plate.
"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."

Built for Doge Francesco Foscari in 1437, the Palazzo Foscari is a fine example of the fifteenth-century Venetian Gothic style, with its finely carved white Istrian stone façade and pointed arches. With its splendid setting and commanding views across the Grand Canal towards the Rialto, it was chosen as the lodging place for Henry III of France in 1574. It is now part of the University of Venice.

Born Friedrich Nehrlich in Erfurt, Nerly moved to Hamburg at an early age following the death of his parents, where he became the protegé and pupil of artist and patron Baron Carl Friedrich von Rumohr. In 1828 Rumohr sponsored Nerly's first trip to Italy, which the young artist chose to adopt as his home. He spent the first six years in Rome, before settling permanently in Venice. He became so assimilated into Venetian culture that he italianised his name from Nehrlich to Nerly.