- 72
Sir Thomas Lawrence, P.R.A.
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description
- Thomas Lawrence
- Satan as the Fallen Angel
- red, black and white chalk
- 245 by 204 mm; 9 1/4 by 8 in.
Provenance
The artist's sale, London, Christie's, 21 May 1830, lot 210, bt. Stanley
Exhibited
London, National Portrait Gallery, Thomas Lawrence: Regency Power & Brilliance, October 2010 - January 2011, no. 18;
New Haven, Yale Centre for British Art, Thomas Lawrence: Regency Power & Brilliance, 2011, no. 18
New Haven, Yale Centre for British Art, Thomas Lawrence: Regency Power & Brilliance, 2011, no. 18
Literature
K. Garlick, 'A Catalogue of the paintings, drawings and pastels of Sir Thomas Lawrence', Walpole Society, Glasgow, 1964, p. 255 (Satan, no. 4);
Ed. A. Cassandra et. al., Thomas Lawrence: Regency Power & Brilliance, Yale, 2011, p. 152, no. 18
Ed. A. Cassandra et. al., Thomas Lawrence: Regency Power & Brilliance, Yale, 2011, p. 152, no. 18
Condition
The drawing is in a well preserved state. The chalk has remained very largely unrubbed and the details are clear. The paper may have darkened a little but the overall balance of the composition is not disrupted. The sheet is laid down.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
In this highly finished chalk drawing Lawrence depicts Satan with Beelzebub with great drama and energy. The work can be dated circa 1797, a year in which the young artist was preoccupied with the work of John Milton and in particular his epic poem Paradise Lost. There are six surviving drawings which all date to 1797 and which focus on this theme and it was in this year that he sent to the Royal Academy his imposing canvas: Satan Summoning his Legions.
The present drawing exists in two versions (the second also in a private collection), and it depicts a slightly different moment in the poem to the oil. It has previously been suggested that it relates to the lines: Thus Satan talking to his nearest mate / With head uplift above the wave, and eyes / That sparkling blazed… (Book 1, lines 192-4). However, in 2005, when the work was exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery, it was thought more likely to depict the moment when Satan surveys his companions and utters the infamous line: Better to reign in hell, than serve in heaven (Book 1, line 263).
The present drawing exists in two versions (the second also in a private collection), and it depicts a slightly different moment in the poem to the oil. It has previously been suggested that it relates to the lines: Thus Satan talking to his nearest mate / With head uplift above the wave, and eyes / That sparkling blazed… (Book 1, lines 192-4). However, in 2005, when the work was exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery, it was thought more likely to depict the moment when Satan surveys his companions and utters the infamous line: Better to reign in hell, than serve in heaven (Book 1, line 263).