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JOHN 'WARWICK' SMITH | The Pont Pelissier on the road from Geneva to Chamonix, with Mont Blanc beyond; together with 'Travellers on the descent into Italy'
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description
- Smith
- The Pont Pelissier on the road from Geneva to Chamonix, with Mont Blanc beyond; together with 'Travellers on the descent into Italy'
- Both watercolour over pencil on watermarked laid paper, the first with its original wash-line mount;the first signed and dated, lower left: J.Smith /1785, the second signed and dated, lower right: J. Smith / 1785
- The first: 381 by 545 mm; the second: 377 by 544 mm
Provenance
Both with P & D. Colnaghi, London;
J. Leslie Wright (1862-1953)
J. Leslie Wright (1862-1953)
Condition
The Pont Pelissier on the road from Geneva to Chamonix, with Mont Blanc beyond: Although the image remains easily readable, some of the more delicate pigments in this watercolour have dropped back a little. There is some minor discolouration to the sheet itself and there are a number of abrasions to the surface and minor foxmarks. In the sky, towards the upper right hand edge of the sheet, there is a repair. The work is laid down onto its original mount. Travellers on the descent into Italy: The colours are well preserved in this work, although some of the more delicate pigments may have softened with time. There is some uneven discolouration to the sheet and this is noticeable in the sky. To the left, at the upper edge, there are a 'chain' of discolouration marks. There are also the occasional minor foxmark. The sheet has not been laid down.
"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
Smith was the son of a Cumberland gardener and studied under the Royal Academician Sawrey Gilpin. Gilpin introduced Smith to George, 2nd Earl of Warwick who provided funds for his trip to Italy from 1776 until 1781. There, he became an integral part of the artistic community and upon his return to England he travelled with Francis Towne by way of the Alps. For works by Francis Towne in this catalogue, please see lots 170 to 173.