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John Copley

1875 - 1950

A Lady and a Dancer by John Copley
 

A Lady and a Dancer   1938

  Original lithograph.
Signed in pencil.
Ref: Wright Supplement 251
S 504 x 400 mm; I 427 x 326 mm
SOLD
 
Original John Copley lithograph.

Excellent impression with unusually strong contrast from the only edition of 25 signed proofs, printed by the artist himself.

One of his greatest mature works, A Lady and a Dancer is an outstanding example of John Copley’s unique style and of his fluid depiction of human form.

Theatre and dance remained constant sources of inspiration for John Copley throughout his life; however, he is unusual in focusing his attention more widely than just upon the drama itself. John Copley was intrigued by the effects of lighting both on and off the stage, considering the reaction and attitude of the onlookers in the audience to be a salient part of his conception of the whole spectacle. In this respect he is a kindrid spirit with Walter Sickert whose famous music-hall images were also conceived during the same period.

John Copley printed the majority of his lithographs himself, often with the assistance of his wife, Ethel Gabain. He regarded the inking and printing of the stone as a continuation of the creative process, believing that only the artist himself can bring out the finest qualities in his own drawing. This superb impression attests to this belief.

On warm white laid paper, with full margins and deckle edge. Very fine original condition. Image surface excellent.