Lot 49: William Blake, England (1757-1827) Attributed Pair of Compositional Drawings

William Blake, England (1757-1827) Attributed Pair of Compositional Drawings, both drawings are studies for the illustration, "The Meeting of a Family in Heaven" commissioned by Robert Blair for "The Grave" composed in 1805. The original sold in 2006 by Sotheby's New York. Charcoal/graphite?, conte crayon and ink wash on a light blue laid paper appropriate for the time, one sheet includes a partial fleur-de-lis watermark. The first, a detail of the angel surrounded by clouds measures 7 1/4 x 11 1/8" sight. The angel drawing is faintly marked in pencil on back "Said to be by William Blake, came from Camden Hatters... T.H. Maghen 1876." There is also a brief sketch in sepia conte of a loose figure center back of sheet. The second drawing consists of four figures in embrace and one crudely drawn angel. There are preliminary conte marks that imply the addition of other figures on the left hand side which would be consistent with the finished piece. Based off of the incomplete composition compared to the finished piece, it is believed that this is original to Blake as a preparatory or compositional study, measures 8 3/16" x 9 4/8" sight. Both drawings are marked with an inventory number from Boston Gallery, Doll & Richards, #15707. The paper backing on frame of the angel drawing says "Drawing by W.M. Blake, bought 1873 from Boughton." Descended from a local family in Dublin NH. Framed in gold finish wood frame.

Price Realized: $2,000

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