230 - John Martin, RA,

John Martin, RA, British 1789-1854- Classical figures in a wood with a lake and a city beyond; watercolour heightened with white and gum arabic over traces of graphite on paper, 18.5 x 23.7 cm. Provenance: Basil Mackenzie, 2nd Baron Amulree (1900-1983); Sotheby's, London, 24 March 1977, lot 100. J. Barlow; Christie's, London, 20 November 1979, lot 131. with Richard Ivor, London. Property of a Nobleman. Note: The present work, depicting a distinctly Classical scene, is a typical example of Martin's early watercolours, and was likely produced around 1815, before the artist turned to the Biblical subjects which defined his later career, particularly in his illustrations of 'Paradise Lost'. The handling of the present watercolour is particularly characteristic of Martin's approach, defined by his formative experience as a china-painter. A similar watercolour by Martin, depicting 'Figures in a Classical landscape', sold at Christie's, London, on 8 December 2020, lot 25 (£6,250).