Lot 8: JOHN MELHUISH STRUDWICK | The Ten Virgins

oil on canvas

74 by 153cm., 30 by 60in.

oil on canvas

The following condition report was prepared by Hamish Dewar Ltd; Structural Condition The canvas has been lined and has the original Victorian loose lining attached to the keyed wooden stretcher. The structural condition is sound and secure. Paint surface The paint surface has an even varnish layer. Inspection under ultraviolet shows some inpainting of a pattern of fine lines of drying craquelure which are characteristic of the artist. These can be seen under ultraviolet light by the left hand of the girl on the far left of the composition and in the darker foliage of the trees. There are other small, scattered retouchings. The varnish layers are quite opaque and there may be other retouchings beneath these varnish layers which are not identifiable under ultraviolet light. Summary The painting would therefore appear to be in good and stable condition and no further work is required.
"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."

London, Grosvenor Gallery, 1884, no.45

Athenaeum, 10 May 1884, p.603;
George Bernard Shaw, 'J.M. Strudwick', in Art Journal, 1891, illustrated p.100;
R. Muther, The History of Modern Painting, 1895-6, vol.3, illustrated p.625;
Steven Kolsteren, 'The Pre-Raphaelite Art of John Melhuish Strudwick 1849-1937', in The Journal of Pre-Raphaelite and Aesthetic Studies, 1988, pp.5-6 (incorrectly stated to have been painted in 1894)

William Imrie, Holmstead, Mossley Hill, Liverpool;
St Joseph's College, Upholland, Lancashire;
Christie's, 13 June 2001, lot 12;
Private collection;
Christie's, 9 June 2004, lot 21, where purchased by the present owners