Trained in an architect's office in 'a northern provincial town', Neatby was a versatile exponent of the Arts and Crafts, adept at designing ceramic tiles, stained glass, metalwork and furniture, and able to turn his hand to woodcarving, enamelling, painting murals or working in gesso. He was much employed decorating restaurants, theatres and other public buildings, but his most famous work is the tile decoration in the food hall at Harrods, carried out in collaboration with his former employers, Doultons. An article on him by Aymer Vallance was published in the Studio, vol.29, 1903, pp.113-7.

A painting by Neatby sold in these Rooms on 30 March 1990, lot 514, had the same title as the present drawing and also showed a bust-length female figure in profile to left. The concept was worked out yet again in terms of a gesso panel. 'Akin to modelling is gesso', wrote Vallance, 'which Mr Neatby uses with good effect, either by itself or in combination with decorative painting and for accentuating embroideries or embossed ornaments. A recent work of this description is entitled Dolci Bella, a female head and bust in profile ...' (op.cit., p.116).

Neatby's designs now seem to be rare. There are only two in his Witt Library file, another pair of profiles in the same style - Redcap and Monna Vanna - dated 1906. They were sold in these Rooms on 5 June 1984, lots 49-50.