- 11
Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell, R.S.A., R.S.W.
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell, R.S.A., R.S.W.
- May Easter
- signed u.r.: FCB Cadell
- oil on canvas
- 76.2 by 63.5 cm., 30 by 25 in.
Provenance
Sotheby's, London, 24 April, 1979, lot 556
Sotheby's, Edinburgh, 29 August, 2007, lot 128 where purchased by the present owner
Sotheby's, Edinburgh, 29 August, 2007, lot 128 where purchased by the present owner
Condition
The canvas is unlined and the work appears to be in generally good condition. Under UV light, there is no sign of damage or restoration.
Presented probably in the original gilded 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
There has been a good deal of speculation regarding the puzzling title of this portrait, “May Easter”. Does it refer to the name of the sitter? Is it a portrait of “May”, at Eastertime? Nothing remains on the framing or the picture itself to confirm the title; equally no reference to a sitter of this name in either Cadell’s picture register or letters has been located. Is it possible that erroneously two words have been added together and been appropriated as the title?
However, when compared with other Cadell paintings, there are many striking similarities between the sitter here and Bethia Don Wauchope (see the catalogue entry for lot 29): the distinctive bobbed red hair and gold hoop earrings, thin red lips, and angular features. Though Don Wauchope would have been in her 50s when this picture was painted, the impression is of a much younger woman. Perhaps flattered by Cadell's skilful technique, she sits serene and confident, gazing out of the right side of the picture space, resplendent in her rich black and gold Chinese head scarf.
However, when compared with other Cadell paintings, there are many striking similarities between the sitter here and Bethia Don Wauchope (see the catalogue entry for lot 29): the distinctive bobbed red hair and gold hoop earrings, thin red lips, and angular features. Though Don Wauchope would have been in her 50s when this picture was painted, the impression is of a much younger woman. Perhaps flattered by Cadell's skilful technique, she sits serene and confident, gazing out of the right side of the picture space, resplendent in her rich black and gold Chinese head scarf.