Beerbohm, Max

Original graphite and wash drawing (16 x 12 3/4 in.; 406 x 323 mm), signed and dated ("Max 1907"), mounted on a larger sheet with a six-line inscription by Beerbohm; some mat burn in margins.  Glazed and framed; not examined out of frame.

Philip Guedalla (see catalogue entry)

As described in catalogue entry.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A celebrated caricature of Henry James, with a caption by Beerhohm in pseudo-Jamesian prose: "London in November, and Mr. Henry James in London. It was, therefore, not without something of a shock that he, in this, to him, so very conjenial atmosphere, now perceived that a vision of the hand which he had, at a venture, held up within an inch or so of his face was, with an almost awful clarity, being adumbrated."

The drawing is from the collection of barrister and biographer Philip Guedalla (1889–1944), who wrote, "The work of Henry James has always seemed divisible by a simple dynastic arrangement into three reigns: James I, James II, and the Old Pretender."