Horace van Ruith (1839-1923)

One-centimeter L-shaped tear to left of pot held in the figure's left hand, strenghtened and restored from behind with minor retouching. Stretcher marks apparent to all four edges. Orange of veil slightly brighter than in catalogue illustration. Not inspected under UV light.
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.

Horace van Ruith was a professional artist working in the late-nineteenth century in Europe, who built his reputation as a skilled painter specializing in portraiture, landscapes and genre scenes in oil and watercolor. He visited India twice; in 1879 and in 1900, creating a considerable output of work that included commissions from the various Royal courts in India as well as portraits of ordinary folk such as the present painting of a young girl with water pots.

The Duke of Connaught commented of his work, "no man understands the peculiar characteristics of Indian life better than he does..." The present painting attests to the artist's technical mastery of realism as well as his skill in capturing his sitter's emotional state as evidenced in this adolescent subject's wary expression.