JOHN VARLEY, O.W.S. (LONDON 1778-1842)

This preparatory sketch is a fascinating demonstration of Varley's process as an artist. Sheer layers of wash, in muted tones of blue and brown, map out the composition, creating depth, recession and atmosphere, while the pencil lines suggests trees and further detail which might be added to a finished composition. The landscape does not seem to correspond with a specific location and appears to have been created from his imagination.
For a note on the artist, please see lot 43.