Joseph Crawhall

Mrs E. C. Challoner, the artist's niece;
Spink & Son Ltd, London where bought by Sir David Scott, 16 May 1969 for £120 

SHEET The sheet has been taped to the mount along the upper edge only. Slight discolouration throughout. MEDIUM Good overall condition. FRAME Held in simple wood frame; under glass.
"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."

Crawhall was born in Morpeth in Northumberland and although he studied for two months at the Atelier Aimé Morot in Paris in 1882, he was largely self-taught. He learnt a great deal from Japanese art, which was in vogue at the end of the nineteenth century and it was this influence that gave his sketches a wonderful dexterity and fluidity of line. Following his meeting with Edward Walton in 1879, Crawhall became closely associated with the Glasgow Boys, a group of Scottish artists influenced by French plein air techniques. Crawhall specialised in painting animals and birds but also produced numerous satirical sketches of friends and people he observed going about their daily lives. The present drawing appears to be an early work by the artist and presumably depicts an aunt named Beatrice.