Lot 51
  • 51

John R. Neill

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
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Description

  • There on the floor sat Ruggedo
  • Paper, Ink
pen-and-ink wash drawing on board
approximately 16 1/4 x 11 inches
(413 x 279 mm)

Condition

Not examined out of frame. The image measuring approximately 16-1/4 x 11 inches on larger art board (overall measurements 20 x 14-1/2 inches with various pencil notes by John R. Neill in the margins indicating "Chap 21" [sic] and asking the printer to add a "light vertical line - Ben Day" to the background wall of rocks). Usual light aging of artboard surface with light soiling, overall condition very good and with no chipping to the edges.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

A very fine drawing as reproduced in the first edition of L. Frank Baum's TIK-TOK OF OZ, Chapter 22, page 239 (Chicago: Reilly & Britton Co., 1914), with pencil caption below in the artist’s hand. 

A depiction of one of the most famous villains in all juvenile literature: Ruggedo the Nome King. He makes his first appearance in "Ozma of Oz" (1907), then re-appears here for the second time seven years later. He has tried on several occasions to conquer Oz, once leading a horde of vicious creatures through a tunnel under the Deadly Desert to the Emerald City. As the Oz series progresses, so does his evil presence with Ruth Plumly Thompson even naming the 20th Oz book "Nome King of Oz" (1927).

This portrait has been miss-captioned by Neill, as it eventually illustrated a different text than what he quoted: "For there, squatted upon the floor with his back to the rock wall, sat old Ruggedo, puffing and blowing as if he was all tired out" (p 237).

Neill drawings from this early a vintage rarely become available at the top quality. When it was originally published, the image was reduced considerably in size, loosing much of its characterization and fine line.