- 131
Edward Lear
Estimate
7,000 - 9,000 USD
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Description
- Edward Lear
- Philae, Egypt
- Pen and brown ink and watercolor over pencil;
inscribed lower left: Philae / 8. AM. / Feby. [sic] 19. 1867 and further inscribed with artist's notes
Condition
Hinged at the four corners. Some very slight discoloration at the margins from previous mount, not noticeable. Slight surface dirt but overall color quite fresh. Sold mounted and framed in a modern wooden 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
This drawing was created on the spot in the early morning of 19thJanuary 1867. Lear shows the island of Philae, with the Ptolemaic Temple of Isis and the Kiosk of Trajan, surrounded by the calm waters of the Nile.
Philae occupied a special place in Lear's conscience. He first visited the region in 1857, when he spent ten days exploring the ancient site. In a letter home, he affectionately described it as being ‘more like a real fairy island than anything else I can compare it to.’1 When he returned in January 1867, he was equally excited, noting that ‘it is more beautiful than ever!’2
Philae occupied a special place in Lear's conscience. He first visited the region in 1857, when he spent ten days exploring the ancient site. In a letter home, he affectionately described it as being ‘more like a real fairy island than anything else I can compare it to.’1 When he returned in January 1867, he was equally excited, noting that ‘it is more beautiful than ever!’2
1. V. Noakes, Edward Lear – Selected Letters, Oxford 1988, p. 124
2. ibid., p. 216