- 12
TENNIEL, 'QUESTION TIME', PENCIL, 1884
Estimate
700 - 900 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Tenniel, John
- ‘Question Time’(‘Mr Gl-dst-ne (as Mr Micawber, “for this occasion only”) “I am delighted to add that I have now an immediate prospect of something turning up. I am not at liberty to say in what direction!’ – David Copperfield’)
210 by 159mm., pencil, signed with monogram and dated 1884, inscribed with title and publication details on original mount, mounted, framed and glazed
Provenance
Mary Green (nee Tenniel), the artist's sister and thence by descent EXHIBITED:
‘The Illustrators. The British Art of Illustration 1837-2011’, Chris Beetles Gallery, November 2011-January 2012, no 27
‘The Illustrators. The British Art of Illustration 1837-2011’, Chris Beetles Gallery, November 2011-January 2012, no 27
Literature
Punch, 10 May 1884, page 223
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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."
"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
From 1880 to 1882, Gladstone simultaneously held the positions of Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer. From 1882 until the fall of the Liberal government in 1885, the position of Chancellor was passed to the former Secretary for War, Hugh Childers (1827-1896). Under Childers, Gladstone’s government struggled with a shortfall in the budget and failed in an attempt to implement a conversion of government bonds in 1884. A year later, Childers attempted to resolve the shortfall by increasing alcohol duty and income tax. Childers’ budget was rejected by Parliament and Gladstone’s government, already unpopular over the death of General Gordon in Khartoum, was forced out. The name Micawber, from Dickens’ David Copperfield (1850), has become synonymous with someone who lives in hopeful expectation. Tenniel’s portrayal of Gladstone is as a man who frequently asserts his faith that ‘something will turn up’.