Jacob More

Commissioned by Admiral, The Hon. John Leveson-Gower (1740-1792);
Bill Hill, Wokingham, Berkshire, c. 1770;
Thence by descent until sold anonymously ("The Property of a Gentleman"), London, Sotheby’s, 15 November 1989, lot 62 (for £34,000).

P. R. Andrew, "Jacob More: Biography and a Checklist of Works", in Walpole Society, LV (1989-90), pp. 105–196, p. 157, no. A.7.iii.

The picture is somewhat richer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The paint surface is in very good condition, with no apparent damage or loss of paint. The canvas has been lined and there is a slightly opaque and discoloured varnish overall. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals some scattered minor flecks of restoration and infilling to craquelure, judiciously applied, predominantly in the darker areas of the picture; however there does not appear to be any restoration to structural damage or significant over painting. Held in a gilded neo-classical style frame, in good condition. The picture is ready to hang. To speak to a specialist about this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on +44 (0)207 293 5482, or at julian.gascoigne@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."

This picture is the third in a set of four known versions of the subject painted by More in the early 1770s. A similar version, only slightly larger, was originally in the collection of Sir Joshua Reynolds and now hangs at the Scottish National Gallery, in Edinburgh. In 1771 More exhibited three views of the Clyde at the Society of Artists in London, receiving widespread recognition and praise.

This series of paintings depicting the falls of the river Clyde represents the culmination of More's Edinburgh period, and they are regarded as the first serious artistic interpretations of the Scottish landscape. By the later eighteenth century the three falls - Stonebyres Linn, Cora Linn and Bonninton Linn - were to become renowned sites for their picturesque qualities, and More's views of all three were amongst his most famous works. He was the first in a long tradition of artist to be drawn to the falls, and a number of the Romantic painters, as well as poets, visited the site, including Coleridge and Sir Walter Scott, and Corra Linn in particular was immortalised by both Wordsworth and Turner.

In 1807, reviewing More's work, George Walker remarked that 'the romantic beauties of the Clyde have had ample justice done them by the sister arts of poetry and painting. It was here that our ingenious artist (More) studied those magnificent scenes, the skillful imitation of which entitled him to be ranked with the most eminent masters'. In 1773 More settled in Rome, though he regularly sent pictures back for inclusion in the London exhibitions. He acquired a great reputation, not just among foreign visitors, and was considered by his contemporaries as a Scottish Claude.