David Cox, R.W.S.

Edwin Bullock, Harborne House, Harborne;
his sale, London, Christie's, 21 May 1870, lot 234, bt. Crichton, 90 gns.;
Patrick Payne, Warwickshire, 1966;
sale, London, Christie's, 18 November 1980, lot 154;
from where acquired by the present owner

London, Old Water-colour Society, 1854, no. 304

N. Neal Solly, Memoir of the Life of David Cox, 1873, pp. 232, 285-6,326

This watercolour is in generally good condition. The colours have largely remained intact. The sheet is not 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."

This impressive watercolour may be the one referred to in a letter written on the 10^th March 1856 'Dear Cox.... I wonder who bought the 'Peat Gatherers', which is the grandest picture I have ever seen by you or any one. How you came to give such a high character to those two women with the black hair I cannot conceive, except that I have often said, you don't draw with your fingers, but with your mind. The landscape is as wild and as true to nature as anything Turner, Poussin, or Salvator ever did.... it made the tears come into my eyes to think that you had done such a good thing.'¹

1. N. Solly, Memoir of the Life of David Cox, London 1973, 285-6