Frank Holl, R.A., A.R.W.S.

Purchased from the widow of the artist by Mr Tonks of Sutton Coldfield

A.M. Reynolds, The Life and Work of Frank Holl, 1912, p.239;
Mark Bills (ed.), Frank Holl: Emerging from the Shadows, 2013, p.80

The canvas is lined. A faint craquelure pattern across the surface and a small area of ridging paint with couple of minor paint losses below her lace collar, only visible upon close inspection. A faint central stretcher bar mark and some minor frame abrasions to the extreme edges. The work may benefit from a revarnish otherwise it appears in good overall condition. Ultraviolet light reveals areas of localised retouching, particularly to her left arm and the upper and lower left corners. There is an opaque, uneven varnish which makes the surface difficult to read conclusively. Held in an attractive period 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."

The model for The First Violin was Holl's third daughter Nina, who posed for several other pictures by her father, including Daughter of the House of 1879 (National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne) and Did You Ever kill Anybody Father? of 1884 (Christie's, 17 June 2014, lot 84) which was painted as a companion to the present picture. Both pictures were given by Holl to his wife and purchased after his death by his most loyal of patrons Mr Tonks of Sutton Coldfield.