ATTRIBUTED TO REX WHISTLER (1905-1944) SIR ROBERT PEEL with ...

Hammer

£1,300

ATTRIBUTED TO REX WHISTLER (1905-1944)
SIR ROBERT PEEL
with additional contributions by Joan Hassall
oil on board
45cm x 37cm

NOTE: the back bears a hand written history.

"Lot 55 bears a very interesting inscription on the back which should enable you to upgrade this artwork from ‘attributed’. The account of the painting, initialled ‘LW’ is in the unmistakeable hand of Laurence Whistler (Sir Laurence Whistler, poet and glass engraver) the artist’s brother and assiduous keeper of his archive. The notes say that this portrait, likely a stage property – Whistler was a celebrated stage designer – is painted over a portrait of Peel and is of the Dauphin of France, inspired by a portrait in a book in Whistler’s collection. Rex Whistler did live at 69 The Close in Salisbury. The fact that the portrait was finished later by Joan Hassall for Siegfried Sassoon is also significant; Sassoon was a great friend of Whistler’s"
Dr Nikki Frater
Artist and Art Historian

More Information

Damage and losses to the gesso frame mainly on the left middle and lower. Some cracks to the oval inner frame. Some signs of restoration to the painting under UVA lamp. Light marks and scratches.