- 28
George Frederic Watts, O.M., R.A.
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- George Frederic Watts, O.M., R.A.
- Portrait of Mrs Fitzmaurice
- oil on canvas
- 61 by 51cm., 24 by 20in.
Provenance
General Richard Bateson of Rangers Lodge, Hyde Park, London;
Christie's, 21 January 1921, lot 97 to 'Sampson';
Private collection
Christie's, 21 January 1921, lot 97 to 'Sampson';
Private collection
Condition
Canvas has been lined. Some craquelure and a discoloured L-shape to her right cheek and an inverted C to her collar, which could be improved with localised restoration.
Ultraviolet light reveals retouching to the above mentioned L and C- shape discolourings that appears to correspond to a repaired tear. A few minor flecks in the background of upper left corner.
Held in a Watts style 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."
"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
The most likely identity of Mrs Fitzmaurice is Lady Maud Evelyn Petty-Fitzmaurice, wife of the Governor of Canada, Viceroy of India and Secretary of State, Lord Lansdowne, Charles Maurice Petty-Fitzmaurice. His country house was Bowood where Watts was commissioned to paint a frieze, Coriolanus. The red-brown background and fur collar may have had a relevance to Lord Lansdowne who owned several self-portraits by Rembrandt (now part of the Iveagh Bequest, Kenwood) with these elements. The portrait belonged to General Richard Bateson, Equerry to the Duke of Cambridge.
Mary Seton Watts wrote in 1921; 'Seen at Christie’s sale January 21st 1921. The view taken of the face is a full three quarters, one earring shown. The features are square, the eyes large and brown in colour, and the fringed hair of a red brown, the eyebrows very marked. The lady wears a black coat with a high fur collar.'