- 190
John Sell Cotman
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description
- John Sell Cotman
- An interior of a barn, possibly in Wales
- Watercolour over pencil, on laid paper;
signed and dated lower right: J.S. Cotman / 1803, bears inscription on an old label attached to the backboard: Mr Chaplin - 311 by 445 mm
Provenance
Possibly Mr Chaplin;
Sir Richard Sutton, Bt. M.C.;
with the Fine Art Society, 1976;
Brian Pilkington;
sale, London, Sotheby’s, 7 July 1983, lot 87
Sir Richard Sutton, Bt. M.C.;
with the Fine Art Society, 1976;
Brian Pilkington;
sale, London, Sotheby’s, 7 July 1983, lot 87
Condition
The composition is very strong and bold in this watercolour. Although some of the more delicate pigments have faded, there is a still a very satisfactorily balance to the composition. The work has not been laid down.
"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."
"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
Cotman painted this impressive watercolour in 1803. Although the exact location of the barn remains unknown it has been suggested that the work may have been based on interiors he saw during his extensive tours of Wales in the summers of 1800 and 1802.
The ancient and atmospheric interior has clearly caught the artist’s imagination. He has created a grand and monumental image, full of organic, rustic forms and bold silhouettes. Light too plays an important role and the manner in which the three figures in the far room are illuminated is dramatic.