Hugh William 'Grecian' Williams

Probably Roger Hog of Newliston (1771-1833);
by family descent to the present owner

Overall the condition of this watercolour is good. The pigment have generally survived well although the more delicate tones have faded a little. Around the figures, the pigments have lightened, creating a helo type effect.there is the occasional foxmarks in the sky, but these are minor. The sheet is not laid down, it is attached at two point verso (upper left and right corners).
"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 June 1816, Hugh William Williams set off on a wide-ranging journey through Italy and Greece. He visited Rome, Athens, Malta, Sicily and Naples before returning to Edinburgh in 1818. In 1822, he held an exhibition of Greek views, which was received with much acclaim. One contemporary noted that ‘here another Greece grows on the walls… ancient temples rise… As works of art, these watercolour drawings deserve very high praise. We have at once an impressive and satisfactory idea of the country of which we have heard so much.’¹ The tour was of the utmost importance to the artist, securing his reputation and earning him the name ‘Grecian’ Williams.

The present work and the following lot were probably acquired by Roger Hog (1771-1833) in the 1820s and they have remained in the collection of his descendants until this day. Roger Hog lived at Newliston near Edinburgh, a house that his father had commissioned Robert Adam to build in 1789. 

1. W.C. Hazlitt, Ed., Essays on the Fine Arts, London 1873, pp. 141-4