Sketch of Leonard Smithers (1861-1907), bust-length, executed on a letter to the poet John Betjeman (1906-1984)

Details

SIR MAX BEERBOHM (1872-1956)
Sketch of Leonard Smithers (1861-1907), bust-length, executed on a letter to the poet John Betjeman (1906-1984)
signed, extensively inscribed and dated 'September 1949 / Dear John Betjeman/Here - to the best of my recollection -/ is (what is his Christian name? I doubt/ whether he has one) Smithers. (A man without/ a tie might well have no Christian name.)/ Nevertheless, the letter from him that you/ sent to me is an eternal treasure - as/ is also the letter that you send with/ it - an honour very dear to me from such/ a one as you. Florence and I send/ all greeting to Mrs. John and to you. / Yours gratefully and / admiringly Max Beerbohm' (below the drawing)
pencil, watermark 'Royal Charter Bond' on wove paper
11 1⁄8 x 5 ½ in. (28 x 14 cm.)

Provenance

The artist, by whom given to,
Sir John Betjeman C.B.E. (1906-1984), and thence by descent to,
Candida Lycett Green (1942-2014), by whom bequeathed to the late Barry Humphries.

Literature

G. Sims, 'Leonard Smithers: A Publisher of the Nineties', in J. Lehmann (ed.), The London Magazine, September 1956, vol. III, no. 9, p.33.
R. Hart-Davies, A Catalogue of the Caricatures of Max Beerbohm, London, 1972, p. 140, no. 1557.
S. Calloway and C. Corbeau-Parsons (eds.), Aubrey Beardsley, London, 2020, p. 109, no. 110, illustrated.

Exhibited

London, Tate Britain and Paris, Musée D'Orsay, Aubrey Beardsley, 2020, no. 110.

Conditions of sale

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Benedict Winter Associate Director, Specialist

Lot Essay

Oscar Wilde and Leonard Smithers shared a professional and personal relationship in the 1890s. Smithers was a publisher and bookseller, associated with the Decadent movement of the late 19th Century and known for his interest in Wilde's works, particularly his more controversial writings. He published several of Wilde's works, including The Picture of Dorian Gray and Salomé, helping to bring Wilde's work to a wider audience. Smithers also printed Wilde's poetry and other literary works, despite the social challenges of the time. Their relationship was rooted in mutual respect, with Smithers offering support to Wilde during difficult times, including after his imprisonment. Smithers played an important role in Wilde's literary career.

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