- 888
John James Masquerier, R.A.
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- John James Masquerier, R.A.
- The Minstrel singing his lay to the Duchess of Buccleugh; from Walter Scott's The Lay of the Last Minstrel, 1805
- oil on canvas, in its original gilt plaster frame
Exhibited
London, British Institution, 1809, no. 97.
Condition
The canvas has a firm relining, but elements of impasto painting still stand proud of the paint surface, which is clean, with a clear and even varnish. The painting is in overall good condition. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals sensitive restoration to an old 'I'-shaped tear, lower left, vertically measuring 58 cm., with horizontal lines of 20 cm. at the top, and 40 cm. at the bottom. There is retouching to a small horizontal tear or surface scratch, measuring approx. 6cm., in the chests of the women standing behind the chair, right. There are also scattered networks of retouching to reduce the appearance of craquelure in several areas: in the minstrel's leg, parts of his harp, in the figure of the boy next to him, and in the background above these two figures. There is some strengthening to the foliage seen in the window, upper left.
"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
One of Walter Scott's earliest epic poems, The Lay of the Last Minstrel was a publishing phenomenon and launched Scott to instant fame. It tells of a sixteenth-century Border feud, as recounted over a century and a half later, by an aging minstrel to Ann, Duchess of Buccleuch, in gratitude for the hospitality she showed him at Newark Castle.