F. W. Pailthorpe
The Strange Gentleman
1870s
3 15/16 x 2 15/16 inches (100 x 74 mm); on sheet: 9 x 5 1/2 inches (229 x 140 mm)
Watercolor with pen and gray ink, on paper.
1986.1908
Bequest of Gordon N. Ray, 1987.
Notes
Original watercolor drawing for a frontispiece illustration for Charles Dickens' comic burletta, "The Strange Gentleman"; evidently drawn and etched by the artist following the publication in 1871 of a facsimile edition of the 1837 edition by Chapman and Hall, with the etched frontispiece by Pailthorpe sold separately and therefore not present in all copies of this publication.
Inscriptions/Markings
Signature in ink at foot of design: F.W. Pailthorpe.
Summary
Drawing shows Tom (?) seizing the Strange Gentleman by the coattails, as the latter struggles and brandishes his cane.
Associated names
Ray, Gordon Norton, 1915-1986, former owner.
Artist
Classification
Century Drawings
School
Catalog link
Department