R.A. MILEY | Down at the Start

Dillon Antiques, Dublin, 1981

Boston, Boston College Museum of Art, America’s Eye: Irish Paintings from the Collection of Brian P. Burns, 26 January - 19 May 1996, no.22, illustrated p.99, with tour to Dublin, Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery of Modern Art, 19 June - 25 August 1996 and New Haven, Yale Center for British Art, 25 September 1997 - 4 January 1998

Canvas is lined. There is a faint craquelure pattern in the sky, to the right-hand horse, and to the figure holding the left-hand horse, all of which appear to be stable. Overall the work appears in good condition. UV light reveals retouching to the upper left edge and along the right side of the upper edge, also an area of retouching in the sky upper right, and a small area in the sky upper left. There are also fleck retouchings through the trees and to some of the figures in the foreground. A few further small spots of retouchings along the lower edge. Held 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. 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."

R.A. Miley worked in Dún Laoghaire, then called Kingstown, Co. Dublin, and exhibited at the Royal Hibernian Academy in the 1880s. He was a member of the Dublin Painting and Sketching Club and painted in both watercolour and oils. His primary specialization was equestrian portraiture, but charming rural scenes also form part of his oeuvre. The present work is typical of Miley’s affinity for sporting scenes, here capturing the final preparations before a race with jockeys, grooms, owners, trainers and spectators all present.