About this lot

Description

Charles de Sousy Ricketts, RA (Swiss, 1866-1931) The Dynasts by Thomas Hardy signed in pencil 'Charles Ricketts' (lower left) and 'Thomas Hardy' (lower right) lithograph, printed by Vincent Brook & Day Ltd, London 64 x 48cm (25 x 19in)
Other Notes: Charles Ricketts was an artist, illustrator, author and printer, best known as a designer of books, theatre sets and costumes. In 1914, he was commissioned to design a poster for Thomas Hardy's play, The Dynasts, an epic-drama based on the Napoleonic Wars. It was to be performed at the Kingsway Theatre, London and the poster was printed by Vincent Brooks Day & Son Ltd. Ricketts' design depicts a large figure which is emblematic of war, wearing a headdress of thorns and holding Napoleon in his hand. One of the editions printed also mentioned the title, author and the theatre (a copy is the Victoria & Albert Museum, museum no. E.82-1915). The rare present work is one of fifty proofs also printed by Vincent Brooks Day & Son Ltd, but the text has been deleted and in addition, is signed by both Thomas Hardy and Charles Ricketts.

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