John Martin

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 8 April 1997, lot 56

Although some of the more delicate pigments may have faded a little, in general the watercolour composition it still strong. Around the extreme edges of the sheet there is a boarder. This has discoloured a little and there are several very small areas of paper loss. These defects cannot be seen unless the work is unframed. The sheet has not been laid down and it has been carefully presented (with a non-acidic mount and museum quality glass). For further information on this lot please contact Mark Griffith-Jones on 0207 293 5083 or mark.griffithjones@sothebys.com.
"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."

This finely executed watercolour dates to circa 1811-12, around the time when Martin left his employment as a glass and china painter at William Collins' workshop in the Strand and struck out on his own as a professional artist. The work shows Martin experimenting with his favourite subject matter: the classical world. 

We are grateful to Michael Campbell for his assistance in cataloguing this lot.