David Roberts, R.A.

Sale, London, Phillips, 19 March 1996, lot 73;
with The Leicester Galleries, London

Engraved:

Lithographed by Louis Haghe for Picturesque Sketches in Spain, 1837

Picturesque Sketches in Spain, London 1837, pl. 26
H. Guiterman & B. Llewellyn, David Roberts, London 1986, p. 110, no. 102

Many of the colours in this work have remained strong but some of the more delicate pigments have dropped back a little. The paper has darkened a few degrees and there are occasional repairs, at the extreme upper edge of the sheet. The work has not been laid down.
"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."

Roberts arrived in Seville from Xerex in late April 1833. He wrote home in early May 'suffice it to say… it exceeds my expectations’.¹ Having only intended to stay a month he in fact remained there until October, when an outbreak of cholera forced him to return to England. There is another watercolour of this subject, with a similar composition to the present work in the collection of Eton College.² We would like to thank Krystyna Matyjaszkiewicz for her help when cataloguing this work.

<sup>1. K. Simm, David Roberts R.A. 1796-1864 – A biography, London 1984, p. 91
2. H. Guiterman & B. Llewellyn, op. cit., p. 110, no. 101</sup>