Lot 627: LOUIS AMMY BLANC (1810-1885) THE FALCONER signed,

LOUIS AMMY BLANC (1810-1885) THE FALCONER signed, dated 1850 and inscribed Dusseldorf, 90 x 77cm Exhibited: (possibly) Royal Academy, 1850, No 599, as 'Flora McIvor.' Blanc's two Royal Academy exhibits were both shown in 1850, the date of the present picture. Given the presence of a contemporary London trade label on the frame, it is possible that the clearly passionate young female falconer could be Scott's dark heroine from 'Waverley'. So profound was this historical novel's influence in early-mid 19th century Britain and Europe, with the notions of honour and justice over rank, principles held dear by the Romantics, that it was the subject of intense interest by the foremost minds of the day, including Goethe. Blanc is recorded as having shown a picture of'Fora McIvor and Kathleen waiting for Waverley' at the Crystal Palace Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations in 1850, that seems less likely to be the same as the RA picture.