L13133

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Lot 5
  • 5

John William Waterhouse, R.A., R.I.

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description

  • John William Waterhouse, R.A., R.I.
  • Head Study, Probably for A Tale from the Decameron
  • signed and dated l.r.: J W.Waterhouse/ 1915
  • charcoal
  • 46 by 35.5cm., 18 by 14in.

Provenance

Acquired by the present owner in 1983

Condition

The sheet is not laid down and cockles slightly along upper edge. Some of the charcoal has rubbed and the sheet has discoloured. There is a diagonal surface scratch/abrasion running through the model's hair and there are some small white abrasive areas which relate to surface paper loss. There is some foxing and acid discolouration from the mount along the edges. These condition issues could be improved by a paper conservator.
"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 head study appears to relate to the woman seated third from the left in John William Waterhouse's A Tale from the Decameron, 1916 (Lady Lever Art Gallery, Liverpool). One of Waterhouse's last paintings, it is based on Giovanni Boccaccio's literary masterpiece, The Decameron, written between 1348-53.

On the reverse of this drawing is a rough sketch of a sailing-boat on a calm sea at dawn, which may have been an alternative design for the background of Miranda - The Tempest of 1916 (private collection).