Joshua Cristall, P.O.W.S. (1763-1847)
Joshua Cristall, P.O.W.S. (1763-1847)

The duel

Details
Joshua Cristall, P.O.W.S. (1763-1847)
The duel
signed and dated 'Joshua Cristall/1803' (lower left) and with inscription 'Joshua Cristall 1803/ from the Monro collection. Originally/exhibited at the artists institution/sold august 10th 1886 for £10 10' (on the reverse).
pencil and pen and black ink and coloured wash
8.1/2 x 13 in. (21.6 x 33 cm.)

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

Sign in
View condition report

Lot Essay

This is a relatively early example of a complex figure drawing by Joshua Cristall – an artist who was to become particularly renowned, in the words of Iolo Williams, for ‘his skill in the grouping of many figures into a composition’. Relatively little is known about Cristall’s output or artistic development until he emerges, already in his mid-thirties and with the respect of fellow artists, as one of the original members of the Society of Painters in Watercolours - with eight works at their first exhibition of 1805. Dated 1803, ‘The Duel’ – perhaps based on a scene from Shakespeare – suggests a figurative path towards what is generally regarded as Cristall’s first major work, ‘The Fishmarket on the Beach, Hastings’ (Victoria & Albert Museum), exhibited at the Society in 1808.

More from Christie's Interiors

View All
View All