(American,ÿ1842-1910)Fifteen pages of preliminary studies forÿA Skating Scene, Paris, 1869, all unsigned, five in/with watercolor, others pencil on sketchbook paper sheets, largest 4-7/8 x 8-1/8 in.Note:ÿBen Bassham references these sketches (including lot # 328) in his book, Conrad Wise Chapman Artist and Solider of the Confederacy. He states, "Early in February 1869, he began a series of studies for an elaborate, multifigured composition representing skaters on a large pond in Paris (in her memoirs Laura Seager Chapman mentioned that among her husband's best works was a "beautiful view: Patineurs au bois de Boulogne," no doubt the 1869 work or a replica). He tended to return repeatedly to favorite subjects, and there are indications that he painted A Skating Scene, Paris initially in 1869 and then based later replicas on a tracing of his first effort..." Five of the drawings offered here reference that the figures can be found on a tracing "No. 234" presumably from the same collection from his studio. The Red Sleighÿ(lot #328) is mentioned as one of his more elaborate studies and illustrated. This subject matter marked the beginning of a more inspired period of painting after his repeated subjects in Rome that were done more out of necessity and loyalty to his family after leaving the war torn South.ÿLiterature:ÿBassham, Ben. Conrad Wise Chapman Artist and Soldier of the Confederacy. 2013, pp 238-239; Provenance: Provenance: Collection from the Artist's Studio; Deaccessioned from the Valentine Richmond History Center, Richmond, Virginia, sold at Northeast Auctions, November 6-7, 2004, lot 1220, $4830.00 (accompanied by a copy of the original receipt and a facsimile of the catalog entry); The Estate of William N. Banks, Jr., Newnan, Georgia toning, some with losses, stains, creases, paper tape and tears, all inscribed with accession number