Knuckle bones

細節

John William Godward, R.B.A. (1861-1922)
Knuckle bones
signed and dated 'J.W.GODWARD.1890' (centre left)
oil on canvas
13¾ x 25½ in. (35 x 64.7 cm.)

來源

with Thomas McLean, London, 1890, sold for £65.

出版

Godward inventory list, 1890-1, Milo-Turner collection.
V.G. Swanson, John William Godward, 1997, p. 178, no. 7.

注意事項

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis

拍品專文

This work is an exciting rediscovery as it does not appear to have been traced or exhibited since it was sold by McLean, Godward's dealer, in 1890. It has remained in the possession of the present vendor for several decades.

The game of knuckle bones was played all over the ancient world, and its popularity continued until the nineteenth century. In this early work Godward displays his virtuosity in describing various textures and fabrics. Each tessera of the mosaic is delineated with painstaking exactitude, and the contrasting textures of marble, tiger skin and drapery are painted with remarkable skill.

We are grateful to Professor Vern Swanson for his help in preparing this catalogue entry.