John Prendergast (American, b. 1815)
Tombs of Caliphs, Cairo
Inscribed "Tombs of Caliphs Cairo" l.r., inscribed and signed "Egypt Prendergast" and "Cité des morts près du Caire" on the supporting sheet l.r., identified and dated c. 1840 on a label from Adamson-Duvannes Galleries, Downey, California, affixed to the frame backing.
Watercolor and pencil on paper affixed to a drawing book page, 8 5/8 x 12 1/8 in. (22.0 x 31.0 cm), framed.
Condition: Scattered pale fox marks, tiny loss to l.l. corner of sheet, subtle handling creases, with an ink sketch of a river with feluccas and dabs of watercolor on the reverse, sheet affixed to supporting sheet at the upper corners of the reverse.
N.B. The lot is accompanied by a Phillips, London, auction catalog dated October 3, 1989, which featured several lots of watercolors and drawings by John Prendergast.
Estimate $1,000-1,500
The dimensions of the supporting sheet are 10 x 14 in., and the supporting sheet is inscribed in a later hand on the reverse "Egpt, Caro/Rickman (Lieut. John)/1779/$8,500." The support sheet has dog earred corners, small tears and wear along the edges, and is hinged to the window mat with white tape at the upper corners.
The framed dimensions are 13 3/4 x 16 3/4 in.
The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.