Description:

Horace Mann Livens
British, (1862 - 1936)
woman bathing
pastel on paper
Pencil signed verso.

Woman bathing; pastel on grey paper (likely early 20th c.). Livens is probably best known today for his correspondence with his friend Vincent van Gogh and for having painted the first portrait of van Gogh (subsequently lost). The drawing is in very good condition; vivid colors. On the back – remnants of hinging tape and some notes (including an apparently old one in pencil: ‘H.M. Livens' [signature?], and one in ballpoint pen: ‘Horace Mann Livens'). Sheet size: 362 x 285 mm. In passepartout. For a drawing by Livens on a different subject, but in very similar style, on similar paper, and with comparable pastel colors.

Biography from the Archives of askART: Probably best known for having painted the earliest recorded portrait of Vincent Van Gogh, Horace Livens became a fellow student of Van Gogh while studying at the Antwerp Art Academy in 1885-1886. Although he painted landscapes, figures and animals, he referred to himself as a "painter of poultry", titling his self portrait as "The Old Fowler".

He also said that in his artwork, he was greatly influenced by Japanese prints and paintings with their suggestion of space and color, and that in his paintings of chickens, he stressed their response to the effects of light and atmosphere.

Returning to England from Antwerp, Livens became a founding member in 1898 of the International Society of Sculptors, Painters and Gravers.

Livens has become a lesser-known artist because much of his work was destroyed during the Blitz of World War II and in a fire at a widow's home in Harrow, England in 1957.

Source:
Bonhams.com
Campbell Fine Art
lissfineart.com

  • Dimensions: 10"H x 13"W (sight), 16"H x 20"W (mat)
  • Medium: pastel on paper

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

SHIPPING: Large or fragile items will require a third party shipper. Items that require third party or local pickup are indicated within the lot description. If we cannot ship your item, email [email protected] for a list of recommended shippers. Buyer is responsible for obtaining quotes and arrangement of third party shipping.
Successful bidders will receive an invoice following the auction that will include payment details. Please check your spam/junk folder if you do not receive an invoice.
After payment is made, your order will go to our shipping department if it does not require third party. Buyers will not automatically receive a shipping invoice. You will be sent a separate invoice for shipping once your initial invoice is paid and your items are packed and ready to ship. We guarantee that we will provide the highest standards in packing and handling available, in a time frame that allows attention to every detail to protect the items you have purchased.
It will ask you to verify your address before paying by credit card.
PICKUP: Items are subject to storage fees if they are not removed from premises within 10 business days. If items require third party shipping, arrangements and removal must be completed within 15 business days.

December 16, 2023 11:00 AM EST
Indianapolis, IN, US

Ripley Auctions

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $199 $20
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $200
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 + $2,500