Standing on the Thames Embankment, close to the underground station, Cleopatra's Needle dates to 1460 BC, and was built for Pharaoh Thotmes III. One of three, it was initially displayed near the city of Heliopolis until moved by the Romans in 12 BC to the Royal City of Cleopatra, Alexandria. It was through this city that the Needle acquired its name.
Brought to London to commemorate the victory over Napoleon, the Needle arrived after a disastrous sea journey, in 1878. In order to transport the artefact, a cigar-shaped ship named the Cleopatra - 93 feet long, and 15 feet wide -, was built by the Dixon Brothers, and towed by the Olga, a steam tug-boat. The initial leg of the journey was unremarkable, but unfortunately on 14 October 1877, a storm in the Bay of Biscay significantly damaged the ship. The Olga sent six volunteers to rescue the Cleopatra's crew, who tragically drowned in the attempt. To this day, their names are commemorated on a plaque on the base of the Needle. The crew were eventually rescued, and the Cleopatra cast adrift from the tug. Followed by the National Press, speculation as to whether the Cleopatra had sunk dominated the papers, until after 5 days she was found off the Northern coast of Spain. Brought to the closest port, Ferrol, the final leg of her journey was successfully completed, and, aided by the steamship Anglia, she was towed up the Thames, accompanied by the sound of cheering crowds, and erected in September 1878.
The signature and style dates the painting to when Gunn was in London from 1913-4, for a short period after his time at the Académie Julian, and before going to Spain.
Related Articles
Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.
You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
The canvas is unlined and on its original stretcher which is providing good support. The paint surface is slightly thin in places although this is more the artist's technique rather than due to over zealous cleaning. Under UV light there are minor scattered fine lines of inpainting in the sky and foreground although these are not visible to the naked eye. The image appears slightly crisper than in the catalogue image. It is presented in a stained wood reeded frame which has cracks in the corners but is generally in good original condition.
Cost calculator
Lot 2Sale 20112
Cleopatra's Needle, LondonSIR HERBERT JAMES GUNN, R.A. (BRITISH, 1893-1964)Estimate: GBP 8,000 - 12,000
Enter your bid amount for an estimated cost
Bid amount
Please enter numbers onlyAmount must be higher than the starting bidAmount must be higher than the current bid
Buyer's premium
Loss, damage and liability
Shipping
Estimated Excise Duty
Artist Resale Royalty
Estimated total cost exclusive of customs duties/charges and tariffs