James Webb

STRUCTURE This picture is relined and in very good condition with strong colours throughout. There are no signs of craquelure but the central stretcher bar has left an indentation in the paint surface. The varnish has discoloured and the picture would benefit from a light clean. UNDER ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT There are very minor retouchings to the cracks caused by the stretcher bar. FRAME This picture is contained in an attractive gilt moulded frame (in excellent 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."

Carthagena (or Cartagena) is a walled town and harbour on the Spanish coast in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula in the region of Murcia. It has been one of Spain's most important naval ports since the sixteenth century and in the eighteenth century, with the arrival of the Spanish Bourbons, it became the capital of the Spanish navy.

In 1874 James Webb painted two views of Carthagena from the foreshore in front of the Castillo de las Galeras looking towards Castillo de San Julian (Royal Holloway College and Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead). It was the larger of the two pictures, now at the Royal Holloway College, that was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1874. Another view of Carthagena by Webb is dated 1875 (Christie's, 15 November 2007, lot 60) and he painted another in 1881 (Christie's, 14 June 1991, lot 214).