Old Master & British Drawings

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Lot 210
  • 210

John Flaxman R.A.

Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description

  • John Flaxman R.A.
  • A Sketchbook of drawings made in Italy

  • Seventy-one drawings, two double-sided, all pencil, on wove paper, some by other hands, bound in stiff card with vellum spine;
    extensively inscribed with notes on paintings, poetry and travel accounts (on three pages); further inscribed by a later hand: Sir John Leslie's 1st Bts ^ Book of sketches by Flaxman. / Circa 1848 / glaslough / archives./ Probably / bought at sale of Flaxman's / possessions

  • Sketchbook size 233 by 262 mm
including studies of classical statues, nude figures, hands, legs, heads, drapery and horses

Provenance

Sir John Leslie, 1st Bt. (1822-1916);
By descent to the present owner

Condition

The album has been well preserved. The medium has remained strong. Throughout the sheet there is some scattered foxing and occasional areas of surface dirt. The boards of the album are worn and the binding is a little loose.
"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

This album has only recently been re-discovered. It was used by John Flaxman during his seven year stay in Italy between 1787 and 1794. Flaxman's Italian experiences transformed him into a highly respected and influential artist as both draughtsman and sculptor.

Within the album there are many studies taken from life, the antique and old master paintings. Several drawings are closely related to Flaxman's illustrations to Homer's Illiad. In 1792 Mrs Hare-Naylor, a cousin of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, commissioned Flaxman to execute drawings inspired by poems by Homer. The series was engraved in 1793 by Tommaso Piroli (1750-1824) and became highly influential.

The Study of a Nude Man on page 27 of the album appears to be a variation on the pose of Paris in Hector Chiding Paris, plate 13 of the engraved series. The two studies of a Rearing Horse, on pages 45 and 46, echo those depicted in Neptune Rising from the Sea, plate 22. The two Seated Male Nudes on page 50 illustrate the same composition as the figure of Achilles in The Departure of Briseis from the Tent of Achilles, plate 3. The Study of Hands on page 51 take the exact form of those of the Giant seen in Thetis Calling Briareus to the Assistance of Jupiter, plate 4. The two studies of Seated Male Nudes on pages 52 and 53 directly relate to Otus and Ephialtes Holding Mars Captive, plate 11. The drawing of a Male Nude Seen From Behind, page 56, is a variation on the figure of Diomed in Diomed Casting his Spear Against Mars, plate 12.