£800 - £1,200
HELEN ALLINGHAM, RWS (1848-1926). THOMAS CARLYLE READING. Signed faintly upper right, bears inscribed label verso, watercolour
13.75 x 15.5cm.
* The alignment of the historian and essayist Thomas Carlyle with the gently nostalgic art associated with Helen Allingham may seem surprising. However, William Allingham was a great admirer of Carlyle and the couple enjoyed the company of the writer when they lived near Carlyle's house on Cheyne Row. Helen sketched Carlyle more frequently in his later life (the writer's mildly cantankerous demeanour always apparent) and managed to win his admiration for her empathetic portraits. The Allinghams moved to Surrey shortly after Carlyle's death in 1881 at the age of 86.
Helen made numerous sketches of Carlyle, particularly in the later stages of his life, winning him over despite his initial grumbling, and when he saw the finished watercolours that resulted from her sketches, such as the present work, he conceded that he was impressed by her portraiture. The association between the Allinghams and Carlyle continued until the latter's death in 1881, after which the Allinghams moved from Chelsea to Surrey. *CR Good condition.
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