(British, 1713-1782)
View of Pantano Borghese, with bathers and a fisherman at a waterfall, circa 1770, unsigned, oil on canvas, 36 x 50-1/4 in.; 19th century gilt wood frame, lined, restretched on 19th century stretcher, crackle, craquelure, accretion left edge, two periods of retouch, some overcleaning; frame with some resurfacing and losses. Notes: John Fowler authenticated this painting in a letter dated July 2,1985. It details Dr. David H. Solkin's positive assessment of the painting after examining it in person for four weeks. At the conclusion of the examination Solkin reviewed the work with Fowler stating "The figures of the bathers are most convincing as being by Wilson. The figure of the fisherman was not typical. It's draughtsmanship being somewhat better even than one would normally expect. Overall the work is carefully executed." He goes on to comment that the subject is a unique view, likely executed from a recollection and that it follows Wilson's formula for other landscapes. The lot is accompanied by the letter, an old photograph of the painting and an exhibition catalog Richard Wilson and the British Arcadia, Richard L. Feigen & Co. April 29 -June 25, 2010. Provenance: Christie's London, March 23, 1850, lot # 117 (Colls); Christie's London, April 28, 1855, lot # 120, Collection of Mr. Dunford, (Bishops); David Jardine, Liverpool; Christie's London, March 16, 1917, lot # 139, Collection of David Jardine (Agnew's); Lawrence MacLaren, Liverpool; H.J. Spiller, Ltd., London; Private Collection Chapman, Alabama, December 1967; Purchased from J. Raymond Samuel, New Orleans, Louisiana in 1985 (accompanied by original receipt); Charles Edward Brodnax Hansell and Sylvia Hansell, Mimosa Hall, Roswell, Georgia

lined, restretched on 19th century stretcher, crackle, craquelure, accretion left edge, two periods of retouch, some overcleaning; frame with some resurfacing and losses