- 285
Sir William Orpen, R.W.S., N.E.A.C., R.A., R.H.A.
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description
- Sir William Orpen, R.W.S., N.E.A.C., R.A., R.H.A.
- The Three Blind Men (Arabian Nights)
- signed and dated l.l.: Orpen 1901 and inscribed l.r.: THE THREE BLIND MEN WATCHED BY THE THIEF
- black, white and red chalk with wash over pencil
- 34 by 49cm., 13½ by 19¼ in.
Provenance
Robert Dunthorne & Son, London;
Private collection since 1971
Private collection since 1971
Condition
The sheet does not appear to be laid down and cockles slightly. The work appears in good overall condition.
Held in a gilt wood frame with a cream mount under glass; unexamined out of frame.
"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
The present drawing dates to a series of early works Orpen made as a recent graduate from the Slade School of Art, London in 1899. At this time, Orpen turned extensively to literature as a source for ideas, such as Heinrich Heine's Florentine Nights, Max Beerbohm's The Happy Hypocrite, Arthur Conan Doyle's The Refugees and Oscar
Wilde's The Fisherman and His Soul. For the current work, Orpen has taken the story of 'The Three Blind Men', deceived by a wicked thief, from Arabian Nights, which provided Orpen with many subjects between 1899 and 1904. It is probable he has portrayed himself as the thief, a practice found in his early works when after leaving the Slade access to models and financial freedom was limited. Here, Orpen has created a work charged with drama, achieved through his use of chiaroscuro, bold composition and brilliant drawing technique.
Wilde's The Fisherman and His Soul. For the current work, Orpen has taken the story of 'The Three Blind Men', deceived by a wicked thief, from Arabian Nights, which provided Orpen with many subjects between 1899 and 1904. It is probable he has portrayed himself as the thief, a practice found in his early works when after leaving the Slade access to models and financial freedom was limited. Here, Orpen has created a work charged with drama, achieved through his use of chiaroscuro, bold composition and brilliant drawing technique.