Glyn Philpot RA,
British 18841937 -
 
Study for 'Henry Thomas Sitting - Back...

Glyn Philpot RA,

British 18841937 -

Study for 'Henry Thomas Sitting - Back View', 1937;

black chalk on paper, 29 x 23.5 cm

Provenance: Gabrielle Cross, the artist's niece; The Fine Art Society, London, no.16013 (according to the label attached to the reverse of the frame); private collection, purchased from the above

Exhibited: Brighton Art Gallery, Brighton, 'Glyn Philpot R.A., 1884-1937', 3 April - 3 May 1953, no.62; Leighton House, London, 'Drawings, Paintings and Sculpture by Glyn Warren Philpot R.A. 1884-1937', 7 - 28 February 1959, no.8, followed by tour with Art Exhibitions Bureau, 1959-60 (label verso); National Portrait Gallery, London, 'Glyn Philpot 1884-1937; Edwardian Aesthete to Thirties Modernist', 9 November 1984 - 10 February 1985, no.114 (label verso)

Literature: A.C. Sewter, 'Glyn Philpot 1884-1937' (foreword by T Bodkin), 1951, illus. pl.109; R. Gibson, exhibition catalogue, 'Glyn Philpot 1884-1937: Edwardian Aesthete to Thirties Modernist', London, National Portrait Gallery, 1984, illus. p.115

Note: this work is one of three known studies for the painting 'Henry Thomas Sitting - Back View, 1937, and this work has been described by Robin Gibson in his catalogue for Philpots exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in 1984 as perhaps the most brilliant of the three, sinuous and rhythmic, demonstrating once again [his] ability to find great beauty in the human back. The other studies are now in the British Museum and V&A collection. The painting was has been described perhaps the best of a Philpots pure figure paintings.

Jamaican born Henry Thomas was the artists servant and companion, and a favourite model, appearing in numerous works, including Portrait of Henry Thomas, 1934-35 (Pallant House Gallery) and Melancholy Man, 1936 (Royal Pavilion & Museums Trust, Brighton & Hove). These works are often considered the most innovative and experimental of Philpots career. The original title for the work was Study for 'Negro Sitting - Back View'.