- 189
William James Muller
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
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Description
- William James Muller
- Florence, a view of the city and the River Arno from San Miniato
- oil on canvas
- 33 1/2 by 52 in.
- 85 x 132 cm.
Provenance
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 13 July 1994, lot 119;
With Galerie Bernheimer, Munich.
With Galerie Bernheimer, Munich.
Literature
N. Neal Solly, Memoir of the life of William James Muller, London 1875, p. 332;
C.G.E. Bunt, The art and life of William James Muller, Leigh-on-Sea 1948, p. 95.
C.G.E. Bunt, The art and life of William James Muller, Leigh-on-Sea 1948, p. 95.
Condition
The canvas has been relined. The paint surface is relatively clean. To the naked eye there is some retouching to the upper margin, as well as to the craquelure pattern in the sky. Ultra violet inspection reveals an uneven layer of old varnish, and further sensitive retouching to the pattern of craquelure. Overall the painting is in good condition. The work is offered in a carved gilt wood frame in very good condition.
"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
Muller made a tour to the continent in 1834 with his friend and fellow painter, George Arthur Fripp (1813–1895). An account of the journey is given in Solly's biography, based on information provided by Fripp, who said of Muller that 'he never knew so pleasant a fellow to travel with... he possessed such a vein of humour and so much observation, that he had something amusing or witty to say on every passing event.'1 The pair travelled through Belgium, Germany and Switzerland before staying in Venice for two months. They arrived in Florence on 27 November and remained only a few days before continuing to Rome. Though Solly records that there was little time for sketching in the city, 'A Large Picture of Florence' is recorded among his 'Principal Oil-Pictures.'2
1. Solly 1875, p. 35.
2. Solly 1875, p. 332.