- 64
Charles de l'Yver
Description
- Charles de l'Yver
- two views on the island of grenada: a) Rue des Colonies; b) La Gourmade
- Both pen and black ink and watercolour;
both signed lower right on the mount: Charles de L'yver officier au Rt de Champagne;
both dated lower left on the mount: à la Grenade au 1783
b) inscribed in pen and black ink bottom right: LB f
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."
Catalogue Note
The island of Grenada was bought by a French company from the English in 1650. It was recaptured by the English in 1762 and ceded to them at the Treaty of Paris in 1763. The French regained control in 1779, during the American War of Independence, but it was restored to England at the Treaty of Versailles in 1783. Like other islands in the region, the initial crop was sugar, but this was later varied with other produce. Sir Joseph Banks introduced nutmeg to Grenada in 1782, and it flourished there, providing a more accessible source of spices than the East Indies.
It would appear that Charles de l'Yver was an officer serving with his regiment during the French occupation of the island. His journal has been published: '1779-1784, Journal de Charles de l'Yver', in Annales des Antilles, no. 26, 1983-87.