George Richmond, R.A.

Agnew's, London

Raymond Lister, George Richmond, 1981, p. 133

The medium remains in very good condition. The paper has not discoloured significantly, however there are several very minor areas of surface dirt. Located at the centre top of the sheet are two tiny pin holes. The sheet has not been laid down and overall the drawing is in good condition.
"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."

It is recorded that this drawing was made by Richmond on 24^th January 1827. The work is particularly interesting because it was executed during a period of Richmond's career when he was most influenced by artists such as William Blake, Samuel Palmer and his tutor at the Royal Academy Henry Fuseli.  In 1826 Samuel Palmer had left London and settled in the village of Shoreham in Kent. This village soon became the headquarters of a group of like minded artists and thinkers that included George Richmond. 

Calling themselves the 'Ancients', the group lived a simple life at Shoreham, where they 'painted and engraved and discussed religion and literature' (Raymond Lister, George Richmond, 1981, p. 15). Philosophically they believed that ancient man was superior to modern man.

In this drawing Richmond illustrates a passage from the Bible 'and he [Samson] found a jawbone of an ass and put out his hand and seized it and with it he slew a thousand men' (Judges 15:15).