L13405

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Lot 29
  • 29

Smith, Charles Hamilton

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • A collection of watercolour drawings of ruminants from a larger manuscript work. English, mid-nineteenth-century (watermarks 1845)
  • paper
Folio (415 x 330mm.), manuscript title-page (“The Ruminantia. Vol. 1”), 16 fine watercolour drawings of ruminants, including elk, reindeer, buffalo, muskox, etc.

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"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

Retiring from the Light Dragoons on half-pay in 1820, Charles Hamilton Smith (1776-1859) enjoyed some further thirty-nine years studying natural history. Settling in Plymouth, he continued to travel extensively, recording his observations. History, zoology, and archaeology were his favourite subjects and he left "twenty thick volumes of manuscript notes and thousands of his own watercolour drawings, which were always at the free disposal of a student" (DNB).