Lot 23
- 23
John Constable, R.A.
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 GBP
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Description
- John Constable, R.A.
- Study of a Male Nude
- oil on canvas, in a Netherlandish style wood frame
full length, standing
Provenance
P. M. Turner;
Anonymous sale, Sotheby's London, 10th November 1993, lot 81 (bt. by the present owner)
Anonymous sale, Sotheby's London, 10th November 1993, lot 81 (bt. by the present owner)
Exhibited
Fine Art Society, London, Exhibition of Watercolours, Drawings and Oils by English Artists, 1942, no. 4
Literature
C.R. Leslie, 'Memoirs of the life of John Constable R.A.', Medici Society, 1937, p. 258;
R. Hoozee, L'Opera Completa di Constable, 1979, no. 540;
G. Reynolds, The Early Paintings and Drawings of John Constable, 1996🌱, no. 08.34, p. 124, illus. pl. 712
Condition
STRUCTURE
The canvas has been lined.
PAINT SURFACE
The painting appears to be in good condition. There is some retouching to a vertical line down the left hand side of the canvas, as well as scattered retouching in the background overall.
ULTRAVIOLET
Examination under ultraviolet light reveals over painting in the background, at the edges of the canvas, which has ben cleaned away in the central area of the canvas, immediately surrounding the figure. Ultraviolet also confirms the scattered retouchings mentioned above, as well as some very minor strengthening in the figures head.
FRAME
Held in a Netherlandish style 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."
"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
Graham Reynolds dates the current work to circa 1808, when Constable was studying life drawing at the Royal Academy. It has also been suggested that this pose was used by Constable for various bargemen figures as seen in The White Horse, 1819 (Frick Collection, New York) amongst others.