L13040

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Lot 198
  • 198

Edward Lear

Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description

  • Edward Lear
  • Thermopylae, Greece
  • Pen and brown and blue ink with watercolour over pencil, heightened with white on grey paper;
    inscribed lower right: 102 / Thermopylae / 30 June 1848; further inscribed with artist's notes
  • 175 by 28 mm

Provenance

Sale, London, Sotheby's, 20 November 1986, lot 188;
with Spink's, London;
John, Lord D'Ayton (1922-2003);
thence by decent to the present owners

Exhibited

London, Sotheby's, Edward Lear, An Exhibition of Works by Edward Lear from the D'Ayton International Collection, assembled by John D'Ayton, 2004, no. 9

Condition

Some of the more fragile watercolours pigments have faded a little in this work and the paper has discoloured very slightly as a result of exposure to light. Despite this, the pen-work is very fine and the work retains much of its original beauty. 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."

Catalogue Note

Edward Lear arrived in Greece on 1st June 1848 before setting out on a tour of the central part of that country with his friend and patron, Charles Church. Unfortunately, their journey was beset by misfortune and Lear was thrown from his horse on the first day. Despite a sprained shoulder he refused to turn back and they visited Chalcis, Euboea, Eretia, Aliveri, Kumi, Lamia and Patragik before reaching 'the celebrated pass of Thermopylae'1on the 30th. By the time they reached Thebes however Lear had developed a fever and, dangerously ill, he had to be brought back to Athens 'by four horses on an indiarubber bed.'2 

1. V. Noakes, Edward Lear Selected Letters, London 1988, p. 80
2. Lady Constance Strachey, Letters of Edward Lear, London 1907, p. 11