(Beerbohm, Max) Beerbohm, Max

“Mr William Archer”: full-length caricature of the drama critic, translator and playwright, ink and wash on paper, mounted on board, signed “Max” at right and titled at left

Image 12-3/4 x 6 inches, mat measures 16-5/8 x 10 inches, n.p: Ca. 1900. Fine condition, framed.

UNRECORDED. Not in Hart-Davis, although a similiar image (#23, Full-length profile facing left, holding umbrella, 1898) seems to date from roughly the same period. William Archer (1856-1924) was, at the time of this caricature, the drama critic of the London “World”, a profession which he followed throughout his career until, in 1921, he wrote “The Green Goddess” a phenomenally successful melodrama inspired by a dream and written for George Arliss, and became financially independent. He was the man “who made English and American audiences accept Ibsen”, and his is the definitive translation of Ibsen's collected plays; he also collaborated with Shaw in the first version of “Widowers' Houses”, and was doyen of the theatrical world of his day. He was the subject of no less than 14 recorded Beerbohm caricatures; this makes number 15. Provenance: Estate of William Hartmann Woodin Not in Hart-Davis.

Item #27261       Price: $5,500.00