An error has occurred while processing this page. The site administrator has been notified. We apologize for the inconvenience.
13
DAME LAURA KNIGHT
British, (1877-1970)
"Gypsies at Ascot" (Awaiting the Crowd), 1933
oil on canvas
signed lower left "Laura Knight," titled on the stretcher
oil on canvas
25 x 30 inches
- Provenance: Ian McNichol, Glasgow 1966; Sotheby's, London, June 30, 1993, lot 39; Private Collection, New York, New York.
-
Notes: A label from Uptown Gallery is on the reverse.
This work is included in the Catalogue Raisonné of the artists' works, currently being compiled by R. John Croft FCA, great nephew to the artist. We are grateful to Mr. Croft for his assistance cataloging this lot.
Framed dimensions: 33 3/4 x 38 3/4 x 2 1/2 inches
In 1913, Knight painted her iconic Self Portrait with Nude, shaking up the Royal Academy. Seven years later, in 1919, the Knights moved to London where Laura painted dancers from the Ballets Russes among other subjects. In 1926, Harold was commissioned to paint portraits of surgeons in Baltimore at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Laura accompanied him and received permission to paint at the Baltimore Children's Hospital and in the black wards of then segregated John Hopkins Hospital. She took these paintings back to London with her and they were included in a newsreal announcing her election as an associate of the Royal Academy in 1927.
When in 1930, Knight found herself in need of new subject-matter, it was her old friend Alfred Munnings that suggested she paint the races at Epsom: 'Just the sort of thing to suit you... come with Violet and me... I'll show you around.' (Quoted in Caroline Fox, Dame Laura Knight, Phaidon, Oxford, 1988, p.85).
Although Laura did not go with them on that occasion, she soon took up the challenge, painting at both Epsom and Ascot not only the crowds watching the races, but also the gypsies, who would circulate telling fortunes.
She used to visit the gypsy camp with her friend and companion Ally Bert, the widowed wife of Joe Bert the circus clown at Carmos Circus. Ally Bert often attended the racecourse meetings with the artist, acting as a general help in carrying paints and easels around.
Laura would usually go to Ascot in Mr. Sully's Rolls Royce (Mr. Sully was an East End London undertaker and friend of Ally Bert). On rainy days, the artist would sit inside painting, while on sunny days she could sometimes be seen sitting atop of the car roof, to obtain a better view of the racecourse and the crowd.
It was at Epsom racecourse in the late 1930s that the artist was approached by an elderly gypsy woman, called Mrs. Smith, who invited her to visit their camp at Iver in Buckinghamshire, from where many scenes of the Romany gypsies and their caravans (Vardos) were painted.
The gypsy in the center of the present lot holding a baby is also depicted in the artist's other Gypsy Romany scenes that include Between Races, Epsom and Epsom No.1. The seated gypsy holding her baby next to her daughter is also depicted in Epsom Downs.
Laura Knight was the first female to be elected a full member of the Royal Academy in 1936 – a full 200 years after it had been established. She was the first female artist made a Dame in 1929 and in 1965 the first woman to be the subject of a large-scale retrospective at the Royal Academy. Her activism for female artists through her work changed the landscape of the British Art world, making it a more inclusive space for female artists to work and succeed.
Tags: listed artist, female artist, woman artist, oil painting, 20th century, British Art, European -
Condition: overall excellent condition; unlined canvas; no restoration apparent under UV
Condition Report Note:
We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Shannon’s is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Frames on all paintings are sold "As Is". Frames may need some conservation. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE. Thank you for your interest in our sale.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
As a convenience to the Buyer, Shannon's LLC will make a referral
for packing and shipping. For a preliminary quote you may contact Jeff Von Flatern at [email protected] or 203-453-8866.
Shipping is at the request, expense, and risk
of the Buyer, and Shannon's assumes no responsibility for the
items or the timing of delivery. Insurance for in transit items is the
responsibility of the buyer.
April 28, 2022 6:00 PM EDT
Milford, CT, US
Shannon's
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
Bid Increments
From: | To: | Increments: |
---|---|---|
$0 | $499 | $25 |
$500 | $999 | $50 |
$1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
$2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
$5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
$10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
$20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
$50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
$100,000 + | $10,000 |