Provenance:

Thomas Monro.

His sale, Christie's, London, sale of June 26, 1833, Lots 80-83 (as Views and ruins, in colours, on cards by Turner).

Evelyn Mary Morland Agnew.

Her sale, Christie's, London, sale of March 24, 1933, Lot 18 (group lot).

Thomas Agnew & Son's, London.

Acquired from the above.

The Ross Collection, Enniskerry, Ireland.

Christies, London, sale of July 2, 2019, Lot 179.

Lot Note:

This informal sketch depicting the ruins of Corfe Castle in Dorset derives from a group of approximately forty outline drawings by Thomas Girtin that once belonged to his patron, Dr. Thomas Monro (1759–1833). Executed around 1795–96, the watercolors were painted on small sheets of paper and executed in a sketch-like fashion. The precise viewpoint represented here has not been identified, Girtin is not known to have visited Corfe by the probable date of its execution and therefore the composition likely based on the work of another artist. Following Monro’s death, many of the drawings from this group were acquired by J. M. W. Turner (1775–1851) and are now preserved in the Turner Bequest at Tate Britain. This sheet, however, was separated from the larger group and reappeared on the art market in 2019, alongside a comparable view of Kelso Abbey (TG0270a).

Accessible on the Thomas Girtin online Catalogue Raisonné at https://www.thomasgirtin.com, no.

TG0365a.

Framed: 12 3/4 x 13 3/4 x 3/4 in.

Work has been window mounted in mat. Two minor spots of soiling at upper right in sky. Some discoloration to sheet at left in sky. Toning at extreme edges of the sheet. Additional images available upon request.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email fineart@freemansauction.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.