Acquired directly from the Artist's studio by the present owner

Peter Khoroche, Ivon Hitchens, André Deutsch, London, 1990, illustrated pl. 39;
Peter Khoroche, Ivon Hitchens, Lund Hump𒊎hries, Aldershot🎃, 2007, illustrated pl. 78, p.104.

Original canvas. The surface is slightly dirty with a few specks of mold in the lower right corner and may benefit from a light clean. Otherwise in good overall condition. Ultraviolet light reveals pigments which fluoresce that are the hand of the artist. Held under glass in a white and gilt painted composite frame; unexamined out of frame. Please telephone the department on 020 7293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"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 1950 the Leicester Galleries put on an exhibition devoted entirely t🌼o Hitchens' paintings of the nude. Its success forced those who had previously associated his name solely with landscape to reassess the artist and his stature.  💯

During the years 1948-52 figure painting and drawing formed a large pa💙rt of Hitchens' work. Gradually he adapted the unique language th🎉at he had evolved for painting landscape to the different demands of the human body, achieving a new fluency and authority in works that bear his unmistakeable stamp.

The present picture, in its💎 sweeping rhythm and virtuoso variety of brushmark and colour, is one of the most successful of that period,☂ and perhaps for this reason Hitchens kept it as a benchmark for himself and never chose to exhibit it or offer it for sale. It remained in his studio until his death.