(American,ÿ1842-1910)The Red Sleigh, unsigned, watercolor, 5 x 5-1/4 in.; gilt wood frame with French mat, 11 x 14-1/4 in.Note: This capricious work of art was among William's favorite works of art and hung in his bedroom.Ben Bassham references this and other sketches (lot #327) in his book,ÿConrad Wise Chapman Artist and Solider of the Confederacy.ÿHe 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 paintedÿA Skating Scene, Parisÿinitially 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.ÿThe Red Sleighÿis 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.ÿConrad Wise Chapman Artist and Soldier of the Confederacy. 2013, pp 238-239, The Red Sleigh ill. Fig. 114 (accompanied by a copy of the book); 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 the receipt and a copy of the catalog); The Estate of William N. Banks, Jr., Newnan, Georgia toning, not examined out of frame; frame with abrasions