SIMEON SOLOMON | Head of a Youth

Christie's, London, 1 December 1989, lot 1091, where purchased by Seymour Stein

The drawing is in good condition. The paper is not laid down and is cockling slightly in the frame. There is a small tear in each of the lower corners and faint staining to the face. FRAME The drawing is contained in a simple wooden and 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."

On stylistic grounds this powerful drawing can be dated to Solomon's later period. At this time his pictures were more Symbolist than Pre-Raphaelite. They demonstrate how well his work fits into a wider European movement in art in which male and female heads and figures were given allegorical or psychological meaning. This drawing of an androgynous head is given no attributes for identification and it appears to depict a state of dreamlike reverie or peace, rather than a specific literary figure. The drawing is also similar to work being produced further afield, such as the heavily-draped Symbolist figures of the American artist Elihu Vedder.