Sidney Richard Percy

Private collection, U.S.A.;
The Canon Gallery, Petworth, where purchased by the father of the present owner in 2005 and thence by descent

London, Suffolk Street, 1847, no.50;
Petworth, The Canon Gallery, May 2005

The canvas has been lined. Some areas of very faint craquelure visible only upon close inspection. Overall the work appears to be in very good condition and UV light inspection some retouching throughout the sky, notably in the left hand portion. There are some minor touches along the lower framing edge. There is a heavy and opaque layer of surface varnish throughout the trees which obscures further reading. Held in a decorative gilt frame.
"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."

The present work is one of Percy's finest pictures, painted when still a young man. Presenting an impressive view of the riverside, the foreground reeds and foliage are rendered in exquisite detail, whilst the expanse of billowing clouds and the movement of the oak heighten the atmosphere. The three figures in the lower part of the composition further the sense of pastoral nostalgia.

The location of the current work is the River Thames from the village of Medmenham in Buckinghamshire. The Thames became a central aspect of Percy’s career following his move in 1846, along with three of his brothers and his parents, to Castlenau Villas in Barnes, just beyond where Hammersmith Bridge stands today.