Edward Matthew Ward R.A.

STRUCTURE The canvas has been relined and is in stable condition. PAINT SURFACE The paint surface is in good overall condition. There are traces of surface dirt and a few flecks of minor surface abrasion of the upper border, otherwise sound. ULTRAVIOLET UV light reveals an even varnish with a few spots of retouching along the right hand border and traces of old infilling to the background under the present varnish. FRAME Held in a plaster gilt frame in fair 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."

Ward painted a number of works depicting the plight of the French Royal family. The prime version of the present work was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1856 (no.75). Ward also executed the same subject in watercolour, which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1862 (no.798). Both exhibits were well received; the critic for Art Journal described the larger oil version thus,'The character and the accessories of the picture-the poignant distress on the one side, and the course insolence on the other, with the peculiar personalities, declare the subject as unmistakably an incident in the history of the royal family of France after the first revolution' and goes on to declare 'Upon the whole we think, it cannot fail to be pronounced the best of the pictures which the artist has executed from the history of these "unfortunates"'(Art Journal, June 1856, p.163).