John Stanney

By descent in the family of the present owner for at least two generations.

The canvas is lined and the lining is sound although may have caused some emphasis of the canvas weave. The shadows are a little worn, particularly the eye sockets of the skull. There are a few small tears in the background and some now discoloured retouchings throughout, visible for example in the centre right background. The varnish layer is dirty and somewhat uneven, there being an area above the jug where the old varnish seems to have been partly removed.
"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 painting pre-dates what was previously believed to be the only known work by Stanney - an almost identical version of the present composition, signed and dated 1730, sold in these rooms, 10 December 2015, lot 191 (£ 22,000). As such, it represents an extremely rare example of native British 18th-century still life painting, and throws some further, limited light on Stanney, about whom nothing is known, but for whom this was clearly a favoured composition.

The design emulates to some extent the vanitas still life of 1664 by Cornelius Gysbrechts (Ferens Art Gallery, Kingston-Upon-Hull), though the small hunting horn found here is Stanney's own addition.¹

1. See O. Koetser, Painted illusions. The art of Cornelius Gysbrechts, exh. cat., London 2000, p. 32, cat. no. 9, reproduced.