Details

Provenance

William Graham Esq. of 44 Grosvenor Square, London; Sold by his executors, Christie's, 2 April 1886, lot 161 bought 'Waller', thence by descent to the present owner

Exhibited

a number of charming genre secenes in the Pre-Raphaelite style, of which the present is an exquisite example - especially notable in the detail of the flowers. A comparable example is in the Tate collection, The Confidant of 1857. Spring Flowers was one of two pictures by Gale owned by the great Pre-Raphaelite and Old Master collector, William Graham, who also owned Rossetti's Proserpine (see following lot).

Literature

Oliver Garnett, 'The Letters and Collection of William Graham - Pre-Raphaelite Patron and Pre-Raphael Collector', in The Walpole Society , 2000, p.294 Condition STRUCTURE<br>This picture is in good condition. There are small areas of localised bitumenisation, particularly in the upper parts of the trees - this is only visible upon close inspection. The paint surface is a little dirty and may benefit from a light clean.<br><br>UNDER ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT<br>The picture has an opaque varnish but there are no obvious signs of retouching.<br><br>FRAME<br>This picture is contained in a simple gilt frame with a gilt mount. "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 William Gale

Catalog summary

William Gale Spring Flowers signed with monogram l.r. oil on panel 41 by 30.5cm., 16 by 12in. Provenance William Graham Esq. of 44 Grosvenor Square, London; Sold by his executors, Christie's, 2 April 1886, lot 161 bought 'Waller', thence by descent to the present owner Literature Oliver Garnett, 'The Letters and Collection of William Graham - Pre-Raphaelite Patron and Pre-Raphael Collector', in The Walpole Society , 2000, p.294 Condition STRUCTURE<br>This picture is in good condition. There are small areas of localised bitumenisation, particularly in the upper parts of the trees - this is only visible upon close inspection. The paint surface is a little dirty and may benefit from a light clean.<br><br>UNDER ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT<br>The picture has an opaque varnish but there are no obvious signs of retouching.<br><br>FRAME<br>This picture is contained in a simple gilt frame with a gilt mount. "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 William Gale exhibited a number of charming genre secenes in the Pre-Raphaelite style, of which the present is an exquisite example - especially notable in the detail of the flowers. A comparable example is in the Tate collection, The Confidant of 1857. Spring Flowers was one of two pictures by Gale owned by the great Pre-Raphaelite and Old Master collector, William Graham, who also owned Rossetti's Proserpine (see following lot).