JOHN DUNCAN FERGUSSON | Royan

Gifted by the artist and thence by descent Private Collection, Scotland

Duncan R. Miller Fine Arts, London

Bonhams, Edinburgh, 31 August 2011, Lot 1022

Acquired from the above by the present owners

London, Duncan R. Miller Fine Arts, The Scottish Colourists, June - July 2000
Edinburgh, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, J.D. Fergusson, December 2013 - June 2014, n.p., no. 50, illustrated in colour

The board is in stable condition and providing a good sound support. There are some areas of very fine craquelure, however, these are only visible upon close inspection. There are some specks of surface dirt. Otherwise the work appears to be in good condition. UV light inspection reveals some areas of minor retouching, notably in the sails with some further minor touches to the upper and lower framing edges and a few specks elsewhere. Held under glass in a decorative gilt 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."

In 1910 Fergusson and fellow artist Samuel John Peploe spent the summer painting in the town of Royan, producing a number of vibrant scenes of the harbour. Fergusson’s work of this date becomes more structured and formalised in style and focuses less on the painterly aspects that dominated his previous works. Form plays an increasingly important role in this period although references to the Fauvist movement can still be observed, particularly in the figure of the sailor.