Italian School

Given to Christopher and Mary Soames by Max Hanan circa October 1946

The sheet is not laid down. There is a tiny hole in the mount at the bottom left corner, not wholly visible in the present frame. There are minor signs of frame abrasion along the extreme edges and further tiny specks appearing elsewhere to the composition. There is a tiny diagonal crease in the lower right corner with some light surface rubbing and some minor surface matter. On extremely close inspection there is some water damage in the sky. This excepting the work appears to be in good overall condition. The work is presented in an painted and gilt frame.
"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."

Mary first met Christopher Soames on 28^th September 1946, while staying at the British embassy in Paris with her father.  Some weeks later Christopher rang Mary to say he was on home leave and very much hoped he could see her. This contact was rather unexpected and she responded that a meeting would not be possible as she was leaving for Rome to visit her sister. Her diary recalls the extraordinary next few days:

‘At Calais a message awaited me from Christopher to say he would be coming to Rome on the same train. Sensation! At Paris we duly met, and the long journey that followed was most enjoyable, completely unexpected and most memorable. I tried mild reproaches to C for boarding this train but in the end I had to admit I couldn’t possibly have been more glad!’

Dinner a deux that evening was most pleasurable and our wagon-lit compartments were next door to each other, so in the morning we could open the door between them and resume our now blooming acquaintance which had progressed so swiftly that my diary entry reads: ‘As we emerged from the Simplon tunnel, C asked me to marry him – I said NO.’

Mary and Christopher then spent a month or so in Rome and during these days, halfway up the steps to the main entrance to St Peter's, Christopher asked Mary to marry him again and this time she said ‘yes’.  The present lot was given to Christopher and Mary by Max Hanan who was in Rome when when they became enaged in October 1946.