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Edmund Joseph Sullivan

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Edmund Joseph Sullivan
1869-1933
"Indolence assumes the airs of wisdom"
1903
Pen and black ink over graphite, on illustration board.
10 5/8 x 7 3/8 inches (271 x 189 mm)
Bequest of Gordon N. Ray, 1987.
1986.1446
Notes: 

Title from item and published list of illustrations.
Original drawing for an illustration for Oliver Goldsmith's A citizen of the world, London : Wells Gardner, Darton & Co., 1904, p. 225.

Inscription: 

Signed and dated at left, "Edmund J. Sullivan. 1903; inscribed on verso, "No. XVIII. 6851"; stamped with publisher's stamp, "Wells Gardner, Darton & Co., 3, Paternoster Bldgs., London, E.C."

Provenance: 
From the library of Gordon N. Ray.
Summary: 

Drawing shows an elderly man in a robe playing with a cup-and-ball; at lower left and integral to the illustration design are the words, "'Indolence assumes the airs of wisdom, & while it tosses the cup & ball with infantine folly, desires the world to look on, & calls the stupid pastime philosophy & learning'".

Catalog link: 
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Artist page: 
Sullivan, Edmund J.
Century: 
19th century
Classification: 
Drawing
Department: 
Modern and Contemporary Drawings