Taylor, Alfred Henry
Original Unpublished Half-Length Portrait of Charles Dickens
(London), ca. 1840. Pencil and wash on board, heightened with white and colored pastel. Faintly signed at bottom right by Taylor. Approximately 7 x 6 in. (178 x 152 mm) (sight). Mat burn along edges. In moire silk mat and full burgundy levant solander box.

Together with:

Dickens, Charles
Autograph Letter, signed
(London), Devonshire Terrace, Friday November 6, 1840. One sheet, approximately 7 1/2 x 4 1/2 in. (190 x 114 mm) (sight). One-page autograph letter, signed by Charles Dickens, presumably to Taylor: "Dear Sir Don't think me a false inconstant, perjured sitter, pray. I was detained yesterday on my way to you by urgent business, and back now to tug at the oar and work my little galley, double tides. I am afraid I shall not be able to sit before next Tuesday; but I will write you again. Have faith in me, and believe me always Faithfully yours Charles Dickens". In matching silk mat and housed in above.

A fine and very early original half-length portrait of a young Charles Dickens, by English artist Alfred Henry Taylor (1810-68).