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19th Century European Art and Old Masters
|
- Sale 2084
Live
| Philadelphia
Nov 7 | 10:00 AM EST
Live
| Philadelphia
Sale 2084
| Philadelphia
| Philadelphia
Estimate$3,000 – $5,000
Provenance:
John Moffatt, London
Gifted by the above to the present owner, 2012
The present portrait is of Ernest Thesiger (1879-1961), an actor primarily known for the two films he made with director James Whale, The Old Dark House (1932) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935). He was also a tremendously popular and successful figure on the London stage, one of Bernard Shaw’s favorite actors. Thesiger and William Bruce Ellis Ranken were lifelong friends and Ernest was married to Janette Ranken, the artist's sister. In addition to his theatrical career, Ernest was an avid needlepointer, and used it as physical therapy after his hands were severely injured while fighting in World War I. He subsequently taught other returning injured soldiers the craft. A flamboyant character, Ernest frequently wore numerous rings and often sported a string of pearls.
This painting was at one point owned by John Moffatt (1922-2012), a British character actor and playwright. Moffatt was known for his portrayal of Hercule Poirot on BBC Radio in twenty-five productions and for a wide range of stage roles in the West End from the 1950s to the 1980s. He was a collector of early theater ephemera and had shared the stage with Ernest Thesiger. Upon Moffat's death, the portrait was gifted to the present owner.
Framed: 38 1/2 x 30 3/4 inches.
Significant deposits of surface dirt and dust, mostly on framing materials; sheet is laid to board, but is partially separating from the board on the lower right corner; sheet is toned and exhibits some wear around edges; two pinpoint paint losses along lower edge. Additional images available upon request.
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Madalina Lazen
VP Head of Department, Old Masters & 19th Century European Art
