- 382
Philip Mercier
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Philip Mercier
- School for girls
- signed lower left: Ph. Mercier / fecit.
- oil on canvas
- 101.5 by 128 cm.; 40 by 50ΒΌ in.
Provenance
Possibly in the collection of Admiral Sir Eliab Harvey (1758-1830), Rolls Park, Chigwell, Essex;
Thence by descent to the present owner.
Engraved
J. Faber II, mezzotint, 1739 (Chaloner Smith no. 411).
Thence by descent to the present owner.
Engraved
J. Faber II, mezzotint, 1739 (Chaloner Smith no. 411).
Condition
The catalogue illustration is representative. The canvas has been lined. The paint surface is in good overall condition with no damage or loss of paint visible to the naked eye except for the faint impression of an incomplete stretcher bar mark upper centre. There is also evidence of scattered cosmetic retouching noticeable in the central girls face and upper chest and to the face of the back most girl on the right. Examination under ultraviolet confirms the presence of the aforementioned retouching and reveals further scattered very minor retouches as well some minor judicious strengthening to the darker pigments, such as the school teachers costume, the shadow on his face and the door on the right. Otherwise the canvas is structurally sound and appears in good overall condition. Offered in a decorative gilt wood and plaster frame in good 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."
"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 pendant to this picture 'School for Boys', also engraved by Faber in 1739, sold at Christie's, 11th July 1997 lot 9, is of corresponding dimensions and is signed and dated lower left 1738. A version of the present picture, unsigned and of smaller dimensions was sold at Christie's, 11th April 2002, lot 581, for £42,000. These two pictures were significant examples of the type of large scale genre compositions with which Mercier experimented in his English years. The engravings were captioned with verses admonishing parents to choose instructors wisely.