Ayrton, Michael

390 by 545mm., ink and watercolour drawing, unsigned, mounted, framed and glazed, some browning, minor tear in lower right corner

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."

Michael Ayrton was fascinated by the myth of Daedalus and Icarus and in 1961 made a famous series of bronze sculptures (see 'Icarus Transformed I' in the Tate and 'Icarus III' in Old Change Court, by St Paul's in London). The present drawing, thought to date from 1940, is therefore an early watercolour including a Classical character that would haunt the artist. The reverse includes an abandoned pencil sketch.

"At the apex of his climb, because mass is modified by its velocity, Icarus changed his form and the anatomy of this transformation obsesses me. The image I seek is a paraphrase of the human body, adapted to those unknown areas of physical experience which it will presently enter. The re-shaping of their flesh, under intense pressure, appears at once awe-inspiring and a little absurd, just as the ambition which led both to the triumph and fall of Icarus is both heroic and ridiculous." (Michael Ayrton: The Icarus Theme, Exhibition catalogue, Matthiesen Gallery London, 1961)