Lot 4
  • 4

GEORGE FREDERIC WATTS, O.M., R.A. | Ellen Terry Asleep

Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 GBP
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Description

  • Attributed to George Frederic Watts, O.M., R.A.
  • Ellen Terry Asleep
  • inscribed l.l.: Ellen Terry
  • pencil
  • 16 by 18cm., 6½ by 7in.

Provenance

Bequeathed by the artist to his adopted daughter Lilian Chapman and her husband Michael Chapman and thence by descent until 2004;
Sotheby's, 1 July 2004, lot 301 where purchased by the present owner

Exhibited

London, Tate Gallery, George Frederic Watts O.M., R.A. 1817-1904, 1954-1955, no.19;
London, National Portrait Gallery, G.F. Watts: Portraits, Fame and Beauty in Victorian Society, 2004-2005, no.45

Condition

This drawing is in very good condition. The sheet is flat and has not been laid down. The sheet has stained a little along the edges and there are a few minor stains elsewhere. FRAME This drawing is contained in a simple gilt frame with a clean mount and under glass.
"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

It is believed that this portrait drawing was made in 1864 at the time that Ellen Terry was posing for the famous Choosing (National Portrait Gallery, London). Watts had painted Ellen in 1862 with her elder sister Kate (Eastnor Castle Collection) when they were both rising actresses. Watts fell in love with Ellen and wanted to protect her from what he saw as a dubious profession on the stage and in the same year as this drawing he proposed to her. They were married on 20 November 1864; he was forty-seven and she was almost seventeen. The marriage was not successful and they separated after ten months. Ellen became the most successful actress of her age whilst Watts became one of the most respected, diverse and visionary painters of his generation. 

This drawing depicts a highly intimate moment in the artist's studio with Ellen sleeping between sittings; 'Watts, as if unable or unwilling to wake her, carries on with a pencil drawing of great tenderness, which seems to open a hitherto closed window on their relationship. It portrays a moment in their private life at Little Holland House, and seems to strip away all the words, gossip and opinions about ill-fated marriage over the past 150 years.' (Barbara Bryant, G.F. Watts: Portraits, Fame and Beauty in Victorian Society, 2004-2005, p.137)