Lot 241

Inspection under natural and u.v. light indicates the paint layer is substantially original and undisturbed with no damage or restoration apparent.

The sole exception to this is a triangular area of disturbance to the centre of the lower edge of the work (as visible in the catalogue photos). There is some light abrasion along the outlines of this area and small areas of paint loss within it. The cause of this is not known but it gives the impression of having been caused by the removal of something of matching shape previously lightly adhering to and / or pressing against the surface of the work. The disturbance appears not to be associated with a repair in the canvas or any repainting (the original paint layer continues through it and there is no fluorescence under u.v. light indicating later paint). The reverse of the canvas in this area is not visible, being concealed by the lower stretcher bar.

More generally, there is a very slight craquelure in places across the work and equally slight impressions of stretcher bars in some places. Some surface dirt, mostly scattered fly spotting.

(In preparing this report the work has not been examined out of its frame.)


The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to seek further information or request additional images during our pre-sale period where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice. Please note condition reports can be amended during the pre-sale period, so we strongly suggest any interested bidders check the published condition report available on the website before the auction commences. Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.

The Alfred Felton–Charles Campbell partnership, Murray Downs station, Murray Downs, NSW, probably acquired by Alfred Felton (1831–1904)
Charles Campbell (1840–1905), Murray Downs station, upon dissolution of the parnership in 1900
Thence by descent, remaining at Murray Downs station through successive changes of ownership of the property
Sotheby's, Fine Australian and European Paintings, Melbourne, 19 August, 1996, lot 71
Private collection, Melbourne, from whom acquired by Terence Lane in May, 2009

After the original by J.M.W. Turner, first exhibited in 1834 and now in the Tate Gallery (inv. N00371).

For the likelihood that it was Alfred Felton who brought this work into his partnership with Charles Campbell, reflecting his admiration of Turner's work, see Alison Inglis & John Poynter, 'Desirable Things, the Private Collection of Alfred Felton', Art Journal of the National Gallery of Victoria, 44 [2004], particularly nn 32 and 40, the latter referring to two copies after paintings by Turner at Murray Downs (of which, presumably, the present lot is one).

Joseph Hill, artists' colourman and brush maker, and his successors under related names are recorded as working from 230 Pentonville Road, London, circa 1860–1900.