Lot 51
  • 51

Weir, James

Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description

  • Collection of 40 Topographical and Naval Views. [1790s-1810s]
  • Watercolour on paper
Watercolour on paper, some on 2 sheets, mounted (one framed and glazed), (sizes approximately from 75 x 198mm. to 325 x 430mm.), some with inscription or sketches on verso, most with captions either mounted, laid down or written directly on image, very minor scattered tears or repairs, a few restored or trimmed, light staining or spotting

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"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

A RARE SET OF WATERCOLOURS BY CAPTAIN JAMES WEIR.

James Weir (d.1820) was Captain of Marines on HMS Audacious from 1795 to 1800, and was also an accomplished watercolourist. Some of the earliest watercolours in this group were produced when the Audacious was on patrol off the Portuguese coast in 1796. Weir painted other of these watercolours in the months leading up to the Battle of the Nile, when the Audacious was part of Nelson's squadron searching for the French fleet off the Italian coast after it had escaped from Toulon. He also depicted Nelson's flagship, HMS Vanguard, anchored at Naples Bay for repairs in October 1798, when he first met Emma Hamilton. Also shown are views of Constantinople, the Portuguese coast, Syracuse and surrounding area, Catania and Mount Etna, the interior of the Temple of Concord, the ruins of the Temple of Jupiter Olympus, the Valley of Temples at Agrigento, the Temple of Venus at Baia, Mount Nuovo and Pozzoli near Naples. The fleet at Palermo is also depicted, where Nelson had accompanied the royal court of the Two Sicilies after they fled Naples.