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Charcoal Portrait of Sir Winston Churchill, Circa 1935

Circa 1935

$88,500
£66,876.53
€77,225.99
CA$123,665.39
A$137,217.17
CHF 71,877.31
MX$1,682,650.85
NOK 914,254.56
SEK 863,017.31
DKK 575,922.60
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About the Item

Portrait of Sir Winston Churchill English I 1874-1965 Charcoal on paper Signed lower right (indiscernible) This lifetime charcoal portrait of Winston Churchill, dating to around 1935, is a remarkable and rare find. Drawn by an artist who spent time with Churchill during his "Wilderness Years," it represents an extraordinary opportunity for collectors. With his resolute expression and signature hat, this emotive drawing was clearly done by the hand of someone who knew Churchill during the trying and formative years before World War II. The Wilderness Years (1929-1939) marked a period when Churchill, out of government, found himself sidelined in British politics due to his early warnings about Nazi Germany. During this time, Churchill dedicated himself to writing, delivering speeches and persistently warning Parliament and the public of the growing threat from Hitler. Though marginalized, his prescient views would ultimately lead to his rise as Britain’s Prime Minister during WWII. Churchill turned to painting and drawing during these years—a pastime that became essential to his well-being, helping him cope with political isolation and later the immense pressures of wartime leadership. Encouraged by influential artist friends, Churchill embraced plein air painting, gathering techniques and friendships that enriched his work. This 1935 charcoal sketch, likely drawn by one of these artist contemporaries, embodies both the friendship and creative influence that shaped Churchill. The circa date of this drawing is unmistakably signaled by Churchill’s signature Homburg hat, a dark gray hat with a curled brim and center crease, which became synonymous with his public image throughout the 1930s and was worn by the icon while painting. While the artist’s signature remains enigmatic—despite extensive efforts by art historians to identify it—it presents a captivating research opportunity for a connoisseur familiar with Churchill’s fascinating social circles. Circa 1935 Paper: 15" high x 11 1/2" wide (38.10 x 28.21 cm) Frame: 25" high x 20 3/4" wide x 1 3/4" deep (63.50 x 52.71 x 4.45 cm)
  • Creation Year:
    Circa 1935
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 25 in (63.5 cm)Width: 20.75 in (52.71 cm)Depth: 1.75 in (4.45 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    New Orleans, LA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 32-01871stDibs: LU18615404802

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