- 222
Claude-Joseph Vernet
Description
- Claude-Joseph Vernet
- A Coastal Scene with a Lighthouse on the Cliffs and Fishermen with their nets in the foreground
- signed and dated lower centre: J Vernet.1776
- oil on canvas
Provenance
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 composition is a reworking of Vernet's earlier and smaller canvas of the same composition, painted in 1769 1. The viewpoint is now taken from further back and the composition extended to the left. The ship's flag has been changed from the French tricolour to the British red ensign, perhaps suggesting that this later version was the result of a commission from a British patron. The central and right hand side of the painting are by Vernet himself, while the ship to the left and rather schematised handling of the waves are probably the work of assistants in his studio. While rare, Vernet is known to have painted more than one version of some of his compositions; a good example is his famous Baigneuses, originally painted in 1759, but which also exists in another autograph version in the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Nîmes 2.
1. F. Ingersoll-Smouse, Joseph Vernet - peintre de marines, Paris 1926, vol. II, p. 18, no. 902; sold London, Christie's, 27 November 1970, lot 44, present whereabouts unknown.
2. The original was sold in these Rooms, 5 July 1995, lot 83.