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Harry Clarke , Irish, 1889-1931

Title

Faust

Date1924/1925

MediumGraphite, watercolour and ink on paper

Dimensions

33.5 × 23.5 cm

Credit LinePurchased, with the support of the Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland (Patrons of Irish Art Funds), 2025

Object numberNGI.2025.38

DescriptionThis exquisitely detailed drawing relates to Clarke’s final commission from the London publisher Harrap, to provide illustrations for John Anster’s English translation of Goethe’s Faust, published in 1925. Although finely detailed and richly coloured, this drawing was not included in the final version of the book and was never published. Clarke paid much attention to the clothing of the two characters, Faust and Marguerite. The different weights and textures of the velvets, pattered silks and lace are represented through finely graduated colour and line. The figures stand proud from the background which is painted in muted colours and echoes the grisaille sometimes used for theatrical backdrops.
ProvenancePurchased, Adam's Auctioneers, Dublin, Important Irish Sale, 24 September 2025, Lot 21