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SIR JOHN EVERETT MILLAIS, P.R.A. | Yeomen of the Guard, St James' Palace (recto), Sketch of Two Seated Women (verso)
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Yeomen of the Guard, St James' Palace (recto), Sketch of Two Seated Women (verso)
- signed with monogram l.r.; dated and titled l.c. (beneath mount): Note – designed 19 Novr 1883/ “On Guard,” St James Palace/ Yeomen of the Guard; inscribed l.r.: 16 feet; inscribed u.l.: Dark; inscribed upper right: Lighter
- pen and ink over pencil
- 20 by 29cm., 8 by 11½in.
Condition
The drawing is in good condition. It has not been laid down and is flat in the frame. It appears to have been cleaned and the area visible in the mount is cleaner than the peripheral edges which are stained and discoloured. It is ready to hang. FRAME The drawing is contained ins a simple wooden gilt frame with a clean mount and under glass.
"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
Despite the date on the inscription, this drawing was probably made in 1875 and referenced by the artist's son; 'It was in 1875 that the idea of this work originated. Millais, having received a commission from a dealer to execute a very large picture of the Yeomen of the Guard searching the vaults beneath the two Houses previous to the opening of Parliament, made a preliminary visit to the Tower of London to see the "Beef Eaters" and study their costume. He was much struck with the splendid colour and tasteful design of the uniform, and thinking that under artificial light its pictorial strength would be lost, he abandoned his original idea, and decided to paint a single figure in all the glory of the open air.' (John Guille Millais, The Life and Letters of Sir John Everett Millais, 1899, 2 volumes, vol.II, p.79) The finished picture, a portrayal of Major Robert Montagu is titled The Yeoman of The Guard and was painted in 1876 (Tate).