Lot 6
  • 6

Herbert James Draper

Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description

  • Herbert James Draper
  • Studies for the Singing Priestess in Song
  • inscribed with measurements and an S denoting that the drawing was set to prevent rubbing
  • black and white chalk on brown paper
  • 77 by 49cm., 30½ by 19½in.

Provenance

Bequeathed to the artist's widow Ida Draper in 1920 and thence by descent until 2001, when sold by Julian Hartnoll to the present owner

Exhibited

Julian Hartnoll, London, A Second Exhibition of Drawings by Herbert Draper, 2001, no.25

Literature

Simon Toll, Herbert Draper 1863-1920 - A Life Study, 2003, p.193, cat.no.HJD135.v

Condition

The sheet appears to be sound, cockles slightly and faint horizontal creases near the lower edge. Some artist pin holes along the upper edge, otherwise the work appears in good overall condition. Held in a black and gilt edged wood frame with a cream mount under glass; 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

This is a study for the central figure in Song, Draper's lost painting of 1908, illustrating the lines The swords of Caesar's they are less than rust; Song passeth not away from Sir William Watson's poem Lachrymae Musarum. The sketch probably depicts Rachel Lee, one of the most popular professional models of her generation who posed regularly for Draper at this time and for Byam-Shaw, Dicksee and Hacker before becoming a dresser for the actress Angela Baddeley. Her arms are in a different position to the way they appeared in the finished painting.