Old Master and Related Works Online Auction

March 31, 2016

LOT 85

Lot 85

John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)

John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
Lot 85 Details
John Varley the Elder (1778-1842), British

CRUMBS (SKETCHBOOK WITH 27 LANDSCAPES)

Twenty-seven watercolours and ink drawings heightened with white on blue paper, mounted to the pages of a hard-cover calf leather sketchbook, the spine with gilt lettering “Crumbs”, the front free endpaper inscribed in pencil “Varley water colours”, “Ex-libris J.E.P.” the first page inscribed “27 ideas? Crumbs”, a loose page inscribed “Ex-libris Sophie Glennie, 1801”, each watercolour accompanied by aphorisms inscribed in blue crayon to the mount beneath each drawing as follows:

1. Into the very night,
engagement is our state.
2. Pass on and end ye days,
then endless times may come.
3. We must pass through the
valley to ascend the hill.
4. Companionship in difficulties
and misfortunes is not
uncharitably
desirable.
5. The traveler may enjoy the
rest of the retired.
6. What can express the wonder
of the visible variety!
7. Age, in edifices, as in objects
of humanity, is honorable.
8. I can pardon the wanderer for
envying the peace of him at
home.
9. Some little pleasures are
always sprinkled with great griefs.
10. In … this evening, it is very
dull.
11. The blessed occupation of the
aged to lead the young.
12. A little cot, in a sheltered spot,
and peace within, a happy lot.
13. The rest of the ancient is as
sweet as the activity of the agile.
14. Most efficacious is sobriety,
the importance of virtue, the
coolness of courage.
15. If virtue, in a vicious world,
seem to be as insecure as a
field of wheat without a fence, it
is nonetheless under special
protection.
16. The most concealed walk is
not the most secure.
17. The engagements into which
the mind is … are equally a
defense and an occupation.
18. In the solitary situation is
given particular resistance to
fear.
19. Necessary, excellent as is
order, irregularity is not without
its charms.
20. Though they know it not, all
keep on their appointed road.
21. Who would not labor for the
pleasure to be enjoyed by
performance.
22. The recluse feels himself
under more than the ministry of
men.
23. Who feels their happiness
less than those that may have
the most company.
24. As is the home to its rider so
is the rider to his horse to be
accommodated. The mind
must be made if the … cannot
be supplied to the mind.
25. The ocean which appears to
be bound in the Easter … mode
of communion.
26. The more solitary the situation
the deeper… love is always
found.
27. By custom comes conformity
to the strangest positions.


each 4" x 6.5" — 10.2 x 16.5 cm.

Estimate $3,000-$5,000

Realised: $1,200
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
  • John Varley the Elder (1778-1842)
Provenance:

Collection of the artist;
Ex-Libris J.E.P. bought at ... (indistinct) on “Feb 26, 1912” as “Varley Water colours” inscribed to front free endpaper;
Sophie Glennie, 1801;
J.W. Wallace, n.p.,
The Estate of a Private Collection, Guelph, ON

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 85
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.