Thomas Girtin

The colours have remained fresh. There is a small blemish to the sheet to the left of the ship and there are three areas of very minor retouching in the sky. The sheet is laid down. For further information on this lot please contact Mark Griffith-Jones (0207 293 5083) or Emmeline Hallmark (0207 293 5407) mark.griffithjones@sotheby.com emmeline.hallmark@sothebys.com
"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."

In his short life Thomas Girtin is credited with helping to bring about a revolution in the art of watercolour painting. Apprenticed to Edward Dayes in 1789, he emerged from the topographical tradition to produce works of great power and drama. In 1813 the art critic John Hassell wrote that Girtin burst 'like a meteor upon the public'. He added that he was 'the projector of the new school of watercolour painting and that it was to his example [that] we are indebted for the work of the ingenious J.M.W. Turner'.