Solomon Delane

View of Lake Nemi The catalogue illustrations are representative and the painting appears to be in good condition, with no major extant damages or loss of paint. There is one minor loss of paint on the extreme edge, upper left, and there are a small number of other very minor chips, as well as some minor frame abrasion, lower right. The canvas has a firm lining however the surface of the paint has not been abraded or pressed. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals a small number of minor localised retouchings. One in the lower right corner, and on in the lower left, as well as to the upper right hand edge. Otherwise the surface of the paint appears to be in very good condition. Landscape with a waterfall The catalogue illustration is representative and there are no major extant damages. The surface of the paint is slightly abraded in the lower right and the canvas has a firm relining. There are two areas of retouching to old damage visible under raking light. One area just right of centre, at the edge of the wood and into the sky, approximately two inches square, and the other to an old tear which runs almost vertically from the centre of the foliage on the left, to the lower edge of the canvas. There are two further small spots of retouching in the sky, visible to the naked eye under raking light. Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the condition mentioned above and reveals a small number of further minor scattered retouchings. There is an opaque varnish overall. Both pictures are held in matching gilt frames. To speak to a specialist about this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on +44 (0)207 293 5482, or at julian.gascoigne@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."

Born in Dublin, where he trained at the Society Schools under West, Delane spent most of his career in Italy, and was in Rome from 1755. He was celebrated by contemporaries for his landscapes in the manner of Claude and was elected a Fellow of the Society of Artists in London in 1763. He was back in Rome by 1764 however, and travelled extensively on the Continent, before returned to London in 1782. Four excellent landscapes painted for the 4th Duke of Rutland, who was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland between 1784 and 1787, suggest that he was back in Ireland at this time, and he is regulalry recorded in Dublin from the 1790s. A painter of considerable interest, his work is exceptionally rare and little known.