Charles Keene

W. H. de Coverley;
J. N. Hart;
Thomas Agnew & Sons, London, where bought by Sir David Scott, 30 June 1965 for £100 

London, Arts Council of Great Britain, Keene Drawings, 1952, no. 48

SHEET The sheet has been laid down and stuck to the mount. Slightly undulating within the mount. MEDIUM Well preserved. FRAME Held in a simple wood frame; under glass
"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."

This delicate, informal study shows two of Keene's closest friends from the latter part of his life. Keene held a long correspondence with Edwin Edwards, whom he nicknamed 'The Master', and Mrs Edwards, whom he nicknamed 'The Literate'. They lived at Dunwich in Suffolk, where Keene visited them regularly for periods of rest and recuperation. His fondness for the place is evident in a comment to Edwin Edwards in one letter: 'I enjoy Dunwich so much, I can't help talking of next year directly I leave it.' (See G. S. Layard, Life and Letters of Charles Keene of 'Punch', London, 1893). Edwards, who was himself a painter, etcher and art collector was also a patron of the French artist Henri Fantin Latour. Fantin Latour's Portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Edwards, painted in 1875, is now in the collection of the Tate.