Thomas Girtin

Sir William Forbes of Pitsligo, 7^th Bt. (1739-1806);
by family descent to the present owner

The watercolour in this watercolour has remained particularly fresh and it would appear that the picture has never been framed. There are three areas of surface dirt but - in general - the condition is excellent. The work is laid down to a piece of card (possibly the original).
"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."

This extremely well preserved watercolour can be dated to circa 1797 and is a lively study for a watercolour, dated 1798, that Girtin exhibited at the Royal Academy of 1799.¹ Girtin has focused on a 14^th century hermitage, which is located close to the village of Warkworth on the north bank of the River Coquet. This well-known place appealed greatly to the romantic sentiments of the 1790s and it was described in Thomas Percy’s poem as set in ‘deep hewn within craggy cliff / and overhung with wood.’²

<sup>1. This work is now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, T. Girtin & D Loshak, The Art of Thomas Girtin, London, 1954, p. 166, no. 238 ii
2. G. Smith, Girtin. Thomas Girtin: The Art of Watercolour, London 2002, p. 73, no. 47</sup>