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The Steady Batsman: Robert 'Bobby' Abel in Vanity Fair 1902 by 'Spy'
About the Item
This Vanity Fair portrait, published in June 1902, is a chromolithograph depicting Robert Abel, a prominent English cricketer, famously known as "Bobby." The illustration, drawn by Sir Leslie Ward under his pseudonym 'Spy,' captures Abel in his cricket attire, complete with a cap and white flannels, which is typical cricket gear of the time.
Robert Abel was well-known for his skill as a batsman and played for Surrey and England in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was celebrated for his defensive playstyle and significant innings in domestic and international cricket.
The portrayal by 'Spy' emphasizes Abel's alert and somewhat reserved demeanor, features that might have been well-recognized by the public and cricket fans of that era. The attention to detail in the uniform and the relaxed but confident stance are characteristic of Ward's ability to convey not just the appearance but the personality of his subjects.
The title highlights Abel's nickname and reputation, ties him to the prestigious Vanity Fair publication, and credits the famous artist, making the print highly appealing for both cricket fans and art collectors.
The artist 'Spy,' real name Sir Leslie Ward, was renowned for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, often highlighting their professions or notable characteristics through physical and situational symbolism. In this caricature, the fencing attire and pose, combined with the witty caption, emphasize Castle's multifaceted identity.
The illustration in Vanity Fair was created using lithography, a popular printing technique in the 19th century. Lithography involves drawing an image with a grease-based medium on a limestone plate, then treating the surface with a chemical that ensures the ink only adheres to the drawn areas. This plate is then used to print the image on paper. The technique allows for high-quality, detailed prints that capture subtle gradations of tone and sharp contrasts, ideal for vividly portraying the unique caricatures for which Vanity Fair was known.
Vanity Fair prints gained popularity due to several factors:
1. Celebrity and Notoriety: The magazine featured prominent figures from various fields, including politics, royalty, arts, and sports. This wide range appealed to a broad audience interested in different aspects of society and celebrity.
2. Artistic Quality: The prints were known for their high artistic quality and the distinctive styles of the contributing artists, such as 'Ape' (Carlo Pellegrini), and 'Spy', who had a keen eye for detail and a wry sense of humor that shone through in his caricatures.
3. Humor and Satire: The caricatures often included humorous and satirical interpretations of the subjects’ personalities and careers, making them not only visually engaging but also entertaining.
4. Collectibility and Decoration: These prints were collectible items even at the time of their publication. They were often framed and displayed, serving as conversation pieces due to their striking and often amusing portrayals of well-known personalities.
5. Social Commentary: By exaggerating features and mannerisms, the caricatures provided insightful, though playful, commentary on the public figures of the day, resonating with the Victorian society’s appetite for social and political satire.
The combination of high artistic standards, humor, and social critique in a format accessible to the Victorian middle class made Vanity Fair lithographs highly popular and sought after as both collectibles and decor.
- Dimensions:Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)Width: 10.63 in (27 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:1900-1909
- Date of Manufacture:1904
- Condition:Condition: Good, given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13102-51stDibs: LU3054341315352
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