L12133

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Lot 140
  • 140

Harry Clarke

Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description

  • Harry Clarke
  • i'll fly from this place, with one bound, To Hell, or anywhere, to leave 'em
  • signed with monogram l.l.
  • watercolour on Bristol board
  • 31 by 22.5cm., 12¼ by 9in.
  • Executed in 1925.

Provenance

William Dwyer, Roscrea;
Miss Rosy Black;
The Dawson Gallery, Dublin

Exhibited

Dublin, Mills Hall Exhibition, 1929, no.64;
Dublin, Trinity College, The Douglas Hyde Gallery, Harry Clarke, 1979, no.112

Literature

Faust by Goethe, translated from the German by John Anster, illustrated by Harry Clarke, George G Harrap & Co. Ltd., 1925, limited edition of 2000, illustrated p.236;

Condition

STRUCTURE The sheet cockles very slightly but is sound. There is a very small spot of foxing above the central figure's head, otherwise the colours are strong and the work appears in good overall condition. FRAME Held under glass in a simple wood frame with a green mount; unexamined out of frame.
"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

'I'll Fly from this Place... is what the Weathercock says he will do, when pointing in the opposite direction, if the ground does not open up and engulf the fantastic dancing partners and their onlookers perched on the cliffs, celebrating Oberon and Titania'sgolden Wedding anniversary.'

In Clarke's notes beside the initial sketch for this illustration, clues are given as to the identities of the figures depicted (and described Goethe) - Orchestra/ Manager/ Herald/ Oberon, Puck, Ariel, Titania, Embryo/ Inquisitor/ Traveller/ Orthodox divine/ Artist from the North/ Young witch/ Matron/ Leader of band/ Weathercock/ Xenien/ Hennings/ Musaget/ genius of old times/ worlding/ dancer/ dancing ringmaster/ fiddler/ dogmatist/ idealis/ realist/ clumsy fellows/ heavy bodies' (Dublin, Trinity College, The Douglas Hyde Gallery, Harry Clarke, 1979, exh. catalogue, p.85).
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