Lot 32
32
Michael George Brennan (1839-1875)
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Michael George Brennan (1839-1875)

Two studies of hands; one representing charity (illustrated), one representing war

Details
Michael George Brennan (1839-1875)
Two studies of hands; one representing charity (illustrated), one representing war
one signed with initials 'MGB' (lower right) and inscribed 'Charity' (lower centre) and dated 'Febr. 9th 1861' (upper centre, on the backing sheet), one inscribed 'WAR!' (on the mount)
pen and brown ink
3½ x 2¼ in. (8.9 x 5.7 cm.); and 2 3/8 x 2½ in. (6 x 6.4 cm.); two in one frame
Provenance
Keeley Halswelle.
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

Whilst the combat of the American Civil War had not yet begun, on the 9 February 1861 Jefferson Davis was elected the provisional president of the breakaway Confederate States of America. The impact of events was felt across Europe and it seems possible that the present sketches by Brennan were inspired by his thoughts on contemporary events.

The provenance of Keeley Halswelle, A.R.S.A. (1832-1891) can be linked to his meeting Brennan, a resident of Rome, when he moved to the city for several years in 1868.

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