Hendrik Frans de Cort

With a London Art dealer until acquired in 1962 by Elis Jenkins (as of 'Meath in Ireland');
Elis Jenkins, 19 Hawthorn Avenue, Neath, Glamorganshire;
Thence by descent until bequeathed to the present owner's family.

Probably London, Royal Academy, 1792, no. 188;
Neath, Civic Centre, The Official Opening of the Civic Centre, 1st March 1966, no. 1 (as 'School of Richard Wilson').

E. Jenkins, Neath and District: A Symposium, Neath 1974, reproduced in colour plate three, p. 72 xiii, xiv (as School of Richard Wilson).

The catalogue illustration is representative. The picture is painted on a stable single chamfered panel with a very negligible bow.The painting appears to be in good overall condition but for some minor scattered losses as can be seen in the catalogue illustration. There is a minor loss measuring approx. 1 in. in the branches of the tree and a further very minor loss to it's left, again in the tree branch. There are two very minor losses in the lower left on either side of the tree stump and a very minor loss in the middle ground. There is minor flaking along the upper and lower edges. Otherwise, there is evidence of a discoloured varnish overall and localised areas of surface dirt in keeping with the picture's age. There is also what appears to be infilling to an old craquelure in the middle ground. Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the presence of the varnish and reveals some very minor old cosmetic scattered retouches in the lower left, otherwise the picture seems to be in good original condition. Offered in a gilt wood frame in good overall 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."

As an itinerant artist, de Cort travelled extensively around the country following his move to England in 1790, building up a highly successful practice as a topographical painter. Prolific in output, he exhibited some sixty-eight works at the Royal Academy between 1790 and 1803, and these provide us with a valuable insight into his movements during these years. The five works he exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1792 all relate to Gnoll Castle and it therefore seems likely that he was in South Wales circa 1791. In addition to the picturesque prospects of the area, the District of Neath was a popular stop-off for any aspiring traveller. The two main routes from England; the coastal road (the Via Julia Maritima) from Chepstow to Newport, and the Heads of the Valley Road from Ross to Abergavenny, both converge at Neath.