Lot 160
  • 160

Jack B. Yeats, R.H.A.

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description

  • Jack B. Yeats, R.H.A.
  • A Collection of Early Sketches and Illustrations
  • variously signed, some dated 18811884, 1885, 1886, 1889 and variously inscribed
  • variously pencil and pen and ink
  • largest 18 by 22cm., 7 by 8¾in.
dating from mid to late 1880s, comprising illustrations and cartoons from sketchbooks, scraps of paper and on old envelopes; subjects include tennis, horse racing, rollerskating, swimming, a view of Sligo and various sequences and sketches titled, such as: History of a Proposal; Irish Parliament; A Sightseeing Citizen of Sligo; Freddy The Strongest Man on Earth and Alphonso, Charles and Freddy.

Condition

The works all show signs of their age, worn to edges, some with tears and some foxing and discolouration. They have been folded and have crease marks. Overall however the works are sound.
"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 rare and hitherto unseen collection offers a fascinating insight to the artist's early development around the age of fifteen. Sequences such as the gentleman travelling to 'Timahoe' (1885) and 'History of a Proposal' (1886) anticipate his comic strip work of the 1890s and are probably the earliest examples known. The racing sketches demonstrate his developing grasp of one his favourite subjects, and point to his sporting work for publications such as Paddock Life. By the late 1880s early 1890s, Jack was establishing a career for himself as a regular illustrator for the likes of Vegetarian, Daily Graphic and Ariel. There are also two printed reproductions of Jack's cartoons cut out from Punch.