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PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF THE LATE JAMES O. FAIRFAX AC James Oswald Fairfax AC (1933-2017) was a passionate and discerning connoisseur whose interest in the fine and decorative arts spanned eras, cultures and continents. The art he collected over the years reflects both his eye for beauty and also his love of travel, and was acquired to adorn the beautiful homes that he created for himself both in Australia and the United Kingdom. The great-grandson of the founder of the Sydney Morning Herald and Chairman, from 1977 to 1987, of publishers John Fairfax Ltd., James was educated in Sydney, Melbourne and then at Balliol College, Oxford. His kindness and generosity extended to artists, collectors and amateurs, and not least to public institutions: among his many generous bequests to Australian galleries, were important works by Rubens, Ingres, Canaletto and Watteau, given to the Art Gallery of New South Wales; the National Gallery of Australia; the National Gallery of Victoria; Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane and the Art Gallery of South Australia, ensuring that his taste will be shared with a wide public. Christie’s is delighted to be offering works from this fascinating and varied collection in a series of sales in London.

Jacques Barraband (1767-1809)

Electus Parrot (Electus roratus)

Details

Jacques Barraband (1767-1809)
Electus Parrot (Electus roratus)
signed 'Barraband.' (lower centre)
pencil, watercolour and bodycolour on paper
20 5/8 x 15 1/8in. (52.4 x 38.3cm.)

Provenance

Marcel Jeanson (1885-1942); sale ('Bibliothèque Marcel Jeanson Deuxième Partie Ornithologie'), Sotheby's, Monaco, 16 June 1988, lot 176 (illustrated in colour on the catalogue cover).

Engraved

by Langlois in F. Levaillant, Histoire naturelle des Perroquets, Paris, 1801[-05], vol. II, pl. 126 ('Le Perroquet grand Lori, mâle').

Special notice

These lots have been imported from outside the EU for sale using a Temporary Import regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the Hammer price. VAT is also payable (at 20%) on the buyer’s Premium on a VAT inclusive basis. When a buyer of such a lot has registered an EU address but wishes to export the lot or complete the import into another EU country, he must advise Christie's immediately after the auction.

Brought to you by

Helena Ingham

hingham@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2046

Lot Essay

The parrot is a native of north-eastern Australia and the red and purple plumage indicates the female rather than male parrot (as incorrectly titled by Levaillant) which has predominantly green plumage.

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