Lot 85: William Maw Egley , 1826-1916 studies of a hawk's hood pencil and watercolour heightened with bodycolour

each signed and dated: W. Maw Egley/ June 1857 and variously inscribed pencil and watercolour heightened with bodycolour

measurements note 30.5 by 23 cm.; 12 by 9 in.

H. Breun, 4 Greek Street, Soho Square, London, 11 June 1914, where bought by Sir David Scott for £12

This picture was one of Sir David Scott's first purchases, bought shortly before the outbreak of the First World War. It is an unusual subject for Egley and almost certainly was made as a study for a narrative painting. It illustrates the artist's exceptional talent to observe intricate detail. Clearly it is this that encouraged the young David Scott to acquire the picture. He was a highly proficient falconer as is demonstrated in his early diaries and drawings.