- 353
Sir James Thornhill
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
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Description
- Sir James Thornhill
- Psyche amongst the Olympian Gods: A Ceiling design for Stoke Edith House, Herfordshire
- Pen and brown ink and brown wash over traces of pencil, oval
- 194 by 315 mm
Provenance
Sale, London, Christie's, 11 December 1990, lot 204, purchased by Ralph Holland
Condition
This drawing has been well preserved. The media has remained strong and vibrant. In the past, the sheet has been folded and this has resulted in a vertical crease which is visible in the centre of the work. There are also two other creases, one located upper left, the other in the lower right, which are more prominant. In a raking light it is possible to observe further minor creases. There are several areas where minor paper losses have been skilfully restored. Each of the above issues can only be seen on very close inspection. The work has not been laid down.
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."
"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 confidently executed drawing is connected with Thornhill’s work at Stoke Edith House, Herefordshire. In circa 1705 Thomas Foley M.P. (d. 1734) commissioned the artist to decorate parts of his house with scenes from classical mythology.1 Thornhill prepared numerous designs for Foley, some of which survive in a sketch-book now in the collection of the British Museum (BM. 1884,0726.40.40). The original house, along with Thornhill’s decorative scheme, was tragically destroyed by fire in 1926.
1. E. Croft-Murray, Decorative Painting in England 1537-1837, London 1962, pp. 272-273