EDWARD MARTIN (BRITISH, ACT. 1845-1861)
A game of stoolball at West Tarring, Sussex
signed with initials and dated 'EM 1856' (lower left)
oil on canvas
41 x 71cm
Provenance
Miss Boult, granddaughter of Robert Southey (1774-1843), who had friendships at West Tarring
by whom bequeathed to Sir Arthur Bryant, the historian (1899-1985), Myles Place, Salisbury
Sale, Christies London, Executors' sale, 6th September 1985, lot 737 (as 'EAM')
| Estimate: |
£1,500 - £2,000
|
|
Hammer price:
|
£1,700 |
Bidding ended. Lot has been sold.
Footnote
A
watercolour study of the present work by Martin is held at Worthing Museum Art
Gallery who kindly have confirmed that the scene is a game of stoolball.
The game originated in the 15th Century, and is believed by
scholars to be a forerunner of both cricket and baseball. The name
derives from the fact that it was traditionally played by milkmaids using their
milking stools as wickets. West Tarring is a village which lies just
north of Worthing and Martin was resident there by 1855.
Condition Report
The canvas has been relined. Light traces of craquelure consistent with a work of this age, otherwise the paint surface is in good, clean condition. Ultraviolet reveals infilling to craquelure above the roofline, a few further spots in the foreground.
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