Alfred Wallis

Basil Jacobs Fine Art Ltd, London, where acquired by the family of the present owner

Not examined out of the frame. The card appears sound. The edges of the card are uneven, which is thought to be in keeping with the Artist's materials. There are some very minor flecks of loss to the oil at the extreme edges of the card in places, and there is a minor fleck of lifting paint at the centre of the left vertical edge. There are one or two tiny lines of craquleure apparent to the maroon pigment at the left side of the schooner, with one small fleck of associated loss. There is some surface dirt and studio detritus to the work. Subject to the above, the work appears to be in good overall condition. Ultraviolet light reveals no obvious signs of fluorescence or retouching. The work is float mounted onto a fabric-covered mount, and held under glass in a painted and gilded wooden frame. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"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."

'Wallis's motive: creating "for company" and his method: using materials nearest to hand is the motive and method of the first creative artist. Certainly his vision is a remarkable thing with an intensity and depth of experience which makes it much more than merely childlike...his imagination is surely a lovely thing...it is something which has grown out of the Cornish earth and sea, and which will endure.' (Ben Nicholson, 1943, quoted in Edwin Mullins, Alfred Wallis: Cornish Primitive Painter, Macdonald & Co, London,1967, p.110-111)