Ben Elwes Fine Art, London;
From whom acquired by the present collector, 2012. 

The sheet of paper is laid down on canvas with stretcher bars on the reverse that keep it stable. The painting presents a beautiful image with a lot of its details well preserved as seen with the architectural structure. There is some minor thinness to the paint on the darker hues, as well as some scattered tiny stains on the paper, both of which are normal for sketches. Visible to the naked eye are some small spots of retouching scattered on the sky, for example at top center right. Inspection under UV shows a few, very finely applied retouches to the castle, which are not too distracting. The painting is in overall good condition and can hang in its present state. Offered in a gilded wood frame with a few minor scratches and an ornate inner liner.
"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."

This unfinished yet elegant oil sketch can be compared to Closson's unfinished sketch of the Basilica of Constantine in Rome, formerly in the collection of Eugene V. Thaw and now jointly owned by the Morgan Library & Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (oil on and pencil on paper, 31.3 by 42.5 cm., inv. no. 2016.802.6).