John Linnell

Sale: Sotheby's, London, July 15, 1998, lot 72, illustrated
Acquired at the above sale 

Oil on paper laid down on canvas, lined. There is a further inscription on the reverse in an unknown hand: 'Sketch for The Rising of the River," signed + dated 1857 in the Bury Museum + Art Gallery Lancashire / by John Linnell'. The surface of the work presents well aside from scattered craquelure and a general flattening of the surface. There are 5 minor dots of later accretions in the sky and upper left. Under UV: scattered retouches are visible throughout the sky, some to address abrasion and some to address craquelure. Additional dashes of retouching, mainly to the darks, visible throughout the landscape.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This work is a sketch for the painting in the Bury Art Museum, Lancashire, which was commissioned by the dealers Hooper & Wass.