AN ARTIST’S CLAIM

Hokitika Guardian, 19 September 1929, Page 3

AN ARTIST’S CLAIM

SUPREME COURT ACTION. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, September 18. An old master, entitled “The Feast of Belshazzar,” painted by Palma II Vecchio, in the sixteenth century, was much discussed in the Supreme Court to-day in a case before Mr Justice Kennedy. William Henry Hitches, defendant in the action, purchased, the old canvas in London at a sale for £3 many years ago. He worked oh it at intervals for twenty years, until he discovered a monogram on it which disclosed the picture as being of great value. He eventually sold the picture to Dr Pairman, of Christchurch, for 1500 guineas. ' A claim was made by William Sidney Smith, artist, of Christchurch, for £157 10s, for restoring the picture. It was alleged by him, and on his behalf, that he had done a great deal of work m restoring and retouching parts of the painting. For defendant, it was alleged that the canvas was handed over to Smith for tlie repair of a small rent in a corner of the canvas; that. much of the work of restoration, especially the retouching, was unskilfully done, and had actually depreciated the value of the painting. ’Dr Pairman, in evidence, said flat all of Smith’s work, even the repair of the rent, would have to be undone, and that it was therefore of no value Defendant and other witnesses said Smith had agreed to make no charge for the,work.. , Defendant also stated that Smith had asked for 150 guineas only when he lie’ard of the sale at 1500 guineas; Decision was reserved.