Edward Lear

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Edward Lear
1812-1888
"Scene from the New Drama of the 'Middle Ravine'"
Pen and brown ink on writing paper.
5 1/16 x 7 7/16 inches (128 x 199 mm)
Purchased as the gift of Mr. Frederick R. Koch.
1981.70:1-2
Notes: 

Watermark: none visible through lining.

Inscription: 

Lettered by the artist "A. B. C. D."
Accompanied by the author's explanatory note on the same writing paper, in pen and brown ink, "Scene from the New Drama of the "Middle Ravine" / Place, Corfu. Time.5. P.M.March 13th 1864 / Scene, a Nollive Wood: - 4 hands discovered from / behind a Nollive tree - persons belonging to the hands / unseen. An aged and obese Landscape painter observing / the 4 hands. A vast Multitewd looking on. A Julus on the / ground. / A. The 4 hands. / B the aged & obese Londscapepainter. / C. The domestic and tranquil Julus D The Multitewd. / Curtain rises to Sloe and Blackthorn melody: voices / heard singing, Flee-flee to the mountains - flee! / Chorus. FLEE!!!"

Provenance: 
Sale, London, Sotheby's, 14 October 1981, lot 836, repr.
Associated names: 

Koch, Frederick R. (Frederick Robinson), donor.

Bibliography: 

Ryskamp, Charles, ed. Twentieth Report to the Fellows of the Pierpont Morgan Library, 1981-1983. New York : Pierpont Morgan Library, 1984, p. 270-271.

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