THOMAS GIRTIN | A Weeping Willow Beside a Pond

Cornelius Marshall Spink (1904-1990);
by family descent

The colours are very well preserved and the image is fresh. The sheet is not laid down, but is 'window mounted' to a museum quality board.
"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."

It has been suggested that this watercolour, which has survived in very fine condition, dates to circa 1800, a year or two before Girtin's untimely death aged just twenty-seven.  The landscape closely relates to a group of small-scale watercolours that are held in the British Museum.¹ This group, which includes views of watermills, flood-plains and park-land and other 'picturesque' subjects, may have been made to present to potential patrons as indications for larger works.

This watercolour once formed part of the private collection of Cornelius Marshall Spink, the celebrated art dealer and expert. We are grateful for the help of Timothy Wilcox and Susan Morris, when cataloguing this lot.  

^1. British Museum, London, inv. nos 1855.0214.67; 1855.0214.37; 1855.0214.38; 1855.0214.43