- 78
John McKirdy Duncan, R.S.A.
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- John McKirdy Duncan, R.S.A.
- the legend of orpheus - design for mural
triptych on three sheets of paper, one signed with monogram and dated l.r.: 95; two signed with monogram l.l.
- pencil and watercolour
- central sheet: 80 by 60cm., 31½ by 20in., flanking sheets: 80 by 30cm., 31½ by 11¾in.
Provenance
Commissioned by James Beveridge in 1895 for Pitreavie Castle, Dunfermline;
Christie's London, 28 October 1999, lot 236, where purchased by the present owner
Christie's London, 28 October 1999, lot 236, where purchased by the present owner
Exhibited
Edinburgh, Edinburgh College of Art, Arts and Crafts in Edinburgh 1880-1930, 1985, no.82;
Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh Art Centre and Dundee, Art Galleries and Museums, John Duncan, 1986, no.22 (lent by Robin Anderson, Esq.)
Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh Art Centre and Dundee, Art Galleries and Museums, John Duncan, 1986, no.22 (lent by Robin Anderson, Esq.)
Literature
Margaret Armour, Mural Depiction in Scotland , Part 1. Studio, vol.10, 1897, illustrated pp.101-104:
John Kemplay, The Paintings of John Duncan, 1994, illustrated pp.20-25
Condition
Central Sheet:
The sheet is generally sound. There are minor surface abrasions in the lower half of the work. Otherwise the sheet is clean, with strong colour.
Left Hand Panel:
The sheet is generally sound but has cockled slightly. Otherwise the sheet is clean, with strong colour.
Right Hand Panel:
The sheet is generally sound. There are a few patches of light surface dirt lower left. Otherwise the sheet is clean, with strong colour.
FRAMES
All three sheets held in matching painted plaster frames under glass, with minor chips to the paint work; unexamined out of frame.
Please telephone the department on 020 7293 5718 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"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 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
'...Most characteristic and beautiful...' was the appraisal of the present works in an edition of The Studio of 1897. The designs were commissioned by James Beveridge for mural paintings at Pitreavie Castle, Dunfermline. Duncan was recommended by Patrick Geddes for whose Edinburgh home he had executed similar compositions.
The story of Orpheus was of particular importance to the symbolist movement and was painted by a number of its principle exponents including Gustave Moreau.
The story of Orpheus was of particular importance to the symbolist movement and was painted by a number of its principle exponents including Gustave Moreau.