George Michael Moser R.A.

Edward Basil Jupp, F.S.A. (1812-1877);
Thomas William Waller (1878-1947) (L.2472?);
Elizabeth Stauffer Moore;
thence by descent to Elizabeth Richardson Simmons, of New York;
her sale, London, Christie's, 12 November 1968, lot 135, to The Fine Art Society;
with The Fine Art Society, London, by whom sold in 1968 to Walter Brandt

This work has been well preserved and carefully presented. The medium has remained strong and fresh. There are occassional areas of very minor scattered foxmarks, largely to the extreme top and bottom of the composition. There is also some minor surface dirt to the sheet. This drawing has not been laid down.
"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 1726 George Michael Moser moved from Switzerland to London. Originally trained as a coppersmith and chaser of furniture mounts, by the 1740s he was a prominent member of the artistic community. In 1768, he became one of the founding members of the Royal Academy. Interestingly, when one considers the present drawing, Johan Zoffany R.A. (1733-1810), in his painting The Academicians of the Royal Academy (1771-2) (Royal Collection), depicted Moser adjusting the position of the nude model in his multi-figured composition. The celebrated lawyer and antiquary; Edward Basil Jupp (1812-1877), was a previous owner of this drawing.