James Wilson Morrice 1865 - 1924

Edward Willis Redfield, Pennsylvania; 

Alfred Henri Peiffer, Philadelphia; 

Private Collection, Maine

This work is in remarkable condition. There is a one inch long horizontal scratch through the fence although this may have occured at the artist's studio. There is also a line of discolouration above the artist's signature. This line disappears under UV, however the red in the roofs and the figure's skirt appear to have been reinforced.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Trefiw, North Wales, has long been famous for its spectacular mountain vistas and close proximity to the seaside towns on the coast.  By the Edwardian Era, tourists from all over Europe flocked by train and steamer to the area to bask in the mineral caves and admire the scenery. There is no doubt that Morrice was drawn to the leisurely pursuits that provided inspiration and found no shortage of subject  matter in the spectacular and unique landscape.

Inscriptions on the reverse of the painting indicate that it was acquired from Morrice by the American Impressionist Edward Redfield for the Philadelphia collector, Alfred Henri Peiffer. Redfield had previously been living at the Hotel Deligant in Brolles in the early 1890s and had married the innkeeper's daughter. The couple had left France for several years but returned in 1898. Robert Henri, the good mutual friend of both artists, invited Morrice to join them in Brolles in November of 1898. Likely Redfield acquired the painting from Morrice during that visit.

The Art Gallery of Ontario has recently accepted a gift of a J.W. Morrice painting of a similar subject in Wales.

We would like to extend special thanks to Lucie Dorais for her contribution to this entry.  Ms. Dorais is currently compiling the catalogue raisonné for James Wilson Morrice.