John Duncan Fergusson, R.B.A.

Given by the artist and Margaret Morris to their friend Eleanor M. Elder, and thence by descent

The board appears sound and the work in good original condition. Under ultraviolet light there appear to be no signs of retouching. Held in a mottled composite 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."

Fergusson became interested in Khmer and Indian sculpture during his time in Paris when he studied examples in the Trocadero Museum. The figurine in the present work appears to be a bronze of Krishna dancing and playing a flute, surrounded by voluptuous flowers painted in a vivid pattern suggestive of Fauvist influence. It was probably painted c.1913 around the time that Fergusson met the innovative dancer Margaret Morris who became his lifelong companion. The rhythmic poses of figures in Asian art had a lasting influence on Fergusson's painting and sculpture, and Morris' dance. Her performance of Le Chant Hindu at Olympia in 1915 echoed the sculpture that she had admired with Fergusson a few years earlier. The present picture was given to Eleanor Elder (d.1971), a fellow dancer, who chaperoned Margaret during the early days of her relationship with Fergusson and became one of her closest friends.