Sir John Lavery, R.A., R.S.A., R.H.A.

Robert Frank, London, where purchased by the parents of the present owner in 1968

The canvasboard appears sound and the work in good overall condition, clean and ready to hang. No signs of retouching under ultraviolet light. Held in a simple gilt plaster 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."

Travelling regularly to Tangier in the early years of the twentieth century, Lavery became obsessed with the sea – depicting it in all its moods and from many viewpoints. Sometimes he painted the long strand to the east of the Medina or the area close to the harbour, but more frequently he was to be found in the secluded rocky bays to the west that fringe the hill, then known as ‘Mount Washington’. On this promontory he looked towards Cadiz on the Spanish coast, from which an irregular ferry service operated.

However, in the present instance, what appears to be a ghostly square-rigger passes the ‘Pillars of Hercules’, providing the focal point of the present study. In other works of the same period, the ship is converted into a dhow with its characteristic sail set at a 45° angle. Ship or fishing vessel, both occupy the same place in a Whistlerian composition transferred to a larger canvas as A Calm Day, 1908 (unlocated). As such, the present rediscovered canvas-board, finds its place in one of the most important aspects of the Lavery oeuvre.

We are grateful to Professor Kenneth McConkey for kindly preparing this catalogue entry.