- 20
Edmund Blair Leighton
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 GBP
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Description
- Edmund Blair Leighton
- conquest
- signed and dated l.r.: E BLAIR LEIGHTON. 1884.; titled, signed and inscribed with the artist's address on an old label attached to the reverse
- oil on canvas
- 122 by 76cm., 48 by 30in.
Provenance
Purchased from the artist by Mr. Gaskell Penarth, Wales;
Christie's, 28 July 1938, lot 54, bought 'Higgins';
John Woodman Higgins Armory Museum, Worcester, Massachusetts
Christie's, 28 July 1938, lot 54, bought 'Higgins';
John Woodman Higgins Armory Museum, Worcester, Massachusetts
Exhibited
Royal Academy, 1884, no.1552
Literature
Alfred Yockney. The Art of E. Blair Leighton, special Christmas issue of The Art Annual,1913, illustrated p.13
Condition
The canvas has been lined. There are some faint areas of craquelure to the port-cullis, around the arch, to his armour and in the foreground; otherwise the work appears in good overall condition but may benefit from a light clean.
Ultraviolet light reveals an opaque varnish. There are areas of infilling to the arch and right of the soldier's feet. Also an area of retouching to the left of his legs, another above right of his head and a smaller spot directly above his head.
Held in its original gilt plaster frame.
"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
This wonderfully dramatic picture of Empirical pride, depicts the triumphal return of a soldier to his citadel, bringing with him the spoils of a successful battle - treasures from his vanquished opponents and a beautiful young maiden. He steps through the portcullis and into the courtyard and his armour shines in the sunlight. The composition was based upon a design made at the Langham Sketching Club in 1883 entitled John Langham being Led to the Tower. However, Leighton changed the subject to one far more heroic, based upon lines from the Wordsworth poem 'Rob Roy's Grave' of 1807; '... the simple plan, That he may take who hath the power, And he may keep who can.'
We are very grateful to Kara Lysandra Ross for her assistance with the ctalaoguing of this picture which will be included in her forthcoming monograph.
We are very grateful to Kara Lysandra Ross for her assistance with the ctalaoguing of this picture which will be included in her forthcoming monograph.