18 Jun 2012

War artist Nevinson in rare pastoral mood at Bonhams print sale

Romney Marsh, a rare etching by Christopher Nevinson, features in Bonhams next Print sale in London on 11 July. The artist's Bomber sold in the same sale rooms in April for £109,250.

Christopher Nevinson (1889-1946) is best known for his searing portrayal of conflict in World War I, but Romney Marsh shows him equally at home in a more peaceful setting. The print was executed in 1922. It was first shown at the Leicester Galleries the following year with other works on a pastoral theme. This prompted Paul Konody, a leading critic of the time, to comment that such images would come as a surprise to those who assumed Nevinson was incapable of appreciating the charm of rural life. "In these plates", Konody wrote, "he makes the etched line express a spaciousness, airiness and breeziness that are as a rule reserved for the experienced landscape painters brush. They suggest physical well-being and happy communion with nature."

Signed and dated in pencil, Romney Marsh is from the edition of 25. It is estimated at £5,000-7,000.

Another work by Nevinson, Marlow, from 1930 is also in the sale and estimated at £1,500-2,000.

Contacts

Rupert Worrall Bonhams
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Suzanne Irvine Bonhams
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Work +44 20 7468 8294
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