Lot Essay
The subject of this work in bodycolour can be identified by the inscription on the reverse of the mount of the version in watercolour in the Victoria and Albert Museum (13-1887; 7¼ x 10¼ in.; L. Herrmann, Paul and Thomas Sandby, London, 1986, p. 18, illustrated, where dated circa 1780). Despite the totally different effect given by the medium, the composition of the bodycolour is very close so that of the watercolour, even in the placing and activities of the figures, and the watercolour, which is relatively free, may have acted as a sketch for the larger work.
Paul Sandby bought a house at 4 St George's Row, just off the Bayswater Road, Paddington, in 1772 and lived there until his death in 1809. He made a number of works in the area including Christie's, London, 6 June 2003, lot 34.
These bodycolour drawings were probably bought direct from the artist, or certainly not long after they were painted. We know the 7th Earl owned at least one Sandby as there is an invoice from Anthony De Poggi for 2 guineas for reframing a painting by 'Mr Sandby', in the archives at Croome.
Paul Sandby bought a house at 4 St George's Row, just off the Bayswater Road, Paddington, in 1772 and lived there until his death in 1809. He made a number of works in the area including Christie's, London, 6 June 2003, lot 34.
These bodycolour drawings were probably bought direct from the artist, or certainly not long after they were painted. We know the 7th Earl owned at least one Sandby as there is an invoice from Anthony De Poggi for 2 guineas for reframing a painting by 'Mr Sandby', in the archives at Croome.