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Lot Essay
William Congreve's Restoration drama Love for Love was written in 1694. Much of the humour is derived from farcical comedy and mistaken impressions and disguises; however, within this medium more serious social issues concerning money, vanity, hypocrisy and old age are explored. Angelica, an idependent woman of considerable fortune, whose wit and self-assurance is evident throughout, is the daughter of Foresight and the object of Valentine's love. Rosalie Crutchley made her first West End appearance as Angelica alongside Sir John Gielgud in the 1943-4 production.
In addition to the present watercolour Flint also made a number of sketches of Rosalie Crutchley as Angelica which appear in his book Drawings, London, 1950 (illustrated pls. 81 and 82). He writes that despite finding Congreve's play dull, he found Rosalie Crutchley 'exceptionally well attired and good to draw and paint. She came and posed for me again and again.' He continues 'If all "costume" plays were as faithfully and harmoniously presented as Love for Love by John Gielgud, I would more frequently desire to draw characters taking part in them.' (op.cit., p. 161).
In addition to the present watercolour Flint also made a number of sketches of Rosalie Crutchley as Angelica which appear in his book Drawings, London, 1950 (illustrated pls. 81 and 82). He writes that despite finding Congreve's play dull, he found Rosalie Crutchley 'exceptionally well attired and good to draw and paint. She came and posed for me again and again.' He continues 'If all "costume" plays were as faithfully and harmoniously presented as Love for Love by John Gielgud, I would more frequently desire to draw characters taking part in them.' (op.cit., p. 161).