GEORGE STUBBS, A.R.A. | A black and white King Charles Spaniel in a landscape

Major Shuter, circa 1950;
With Arthur Ackermann & Son Ltd., London, by 1959;
Where acquired for £300 by Lord Rootes;
Anonymous sale ("Property of a Gentleman"), London, Sotheby’s, 23 November 1966, lot 84;
R.A. McAlpine;
By whom anonymously sold, New York, Sotheby's, 26 April 1967, lot 52;
M.W. Doores.

R. Fountain and A. Gates, Stubbs’ Dogs, London 1984, p. 85, cat. no. 9, reproduced fig. 55.

Oil on canvas, lined. Surface is covered by a layer of unevenly applied, yellowed varnish. There is a stable web of cracquelure, much of it retouched, visible over the entire picture surface. Area of abrasion visible in the dog's proper right front paw. Older, discolored retouches are visible at the edges and in three areas in the background to the left of the dog. Under UV light, the work is covered by a thick, green fluorescing varnish, especially in the darker pigments. Broad, brushy retouching is visible throughout the background. Additional retouching to address cracquelure is visible, mainly along the center right edge. There is a repaired line of retouching between the dog's proper front left paw and the group of flowers at center. Retouching is visible scattered throughout the dog as well. Offered in a wood 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.
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.