Lot 272
  • 272

Alfred Hunt

Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description

  • Alfred Hunt
  • The Tidal Steam Packet Arriving at Boulogne
  • watercolour and pen and ink over pencil
  • 42.5 by 60.5cm., 16¾ by 23¾in.

Provenance

Fine Art Society, London, 1946
Christie's, London, 21 October 1975, lot 114
Leger Galleries, London, 1975-6;
John Adams Fine Art, London

Literature

Illustrated London News, 'Christmas Number', 1947, reproduced pp.32-3.

Condition

The sheet cockles slightly but appears to be sound. There are a few minor spots of foxing in the white deck of the ship near the gang-plank; otherwise it appears in very good overall condition. Held under glass in a gilt plaster frame with a cream mount; unexamined out of frame. Ready to hang.
"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

Sometimes mistaken for the Pre-Raphaelite landscape artist Alfred William Hunt, this delightful watercolour is by Alfred Hunt, whose panoramic modern-life subjects were regularly featured in the Illustrated London News. The present work shows the arrival of the cross-channel steam packet at Boulogne, with travellers disembarking the ship by gang-planks, while a French policeman and other officials of the shipping line watch on. It was reproduced as a lithographic plate for the Leighton Brothers in 1853 and is one of the artist's earliest known works.