Stanley Cursiter, C.B.E, P.R.S.W., R.S.A.

Private collection, circa 1940, thence by descent

Original canvas. There are very faint signs of craquelure in the background, to the figure and her dress and along the lower edge; otherwise the work appears in good overall condition. Under ultraviolet light there appear to be some flecks of retouching corresponding to some of the craquelure in the figure's dress and some minor, cosmetic retouchings to her right arm, shoulder and face. Held in a gilt composite 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."

After experimenting with modernism and futurism at the beginning of his career, Cursiter’s mature style became more traditional and painterly, focussing on landscapes and figure studies. Here Cursiter has painted a favourite model, Poppy Low, who appears in a number of compositions through the 1920s including Chez Nous of 1925 (National Galleries of Scotland) and The Seamstress (Lyon and Turnbull, 26 January 2006 lot 148) which depict both Poppy and Cursiter’s wife Phyllis. This time, however, Poppy is painted alone, reclining on a large and comfortable dark sofa. She is dressed in a white silk gown, casually resting her head against her hand and confidently meeting the viewer’s gaze.