Author: GRIBAYEDOFF, Valerian (?-?)
Title: Signed Ink Sketch
Description: Shortly after Joseph Pulitzer acquired the "New York World" in 1883 he hired this Russian-born writer, journalist and artist -- whose fine etched portraits helped make him one of the fathers of modern newspaper illustration (and, incidentally, helped make Pulitzer's new venture influential and profitable); he also illustrated such books as the first American edition of Tolstoy's "Ivan the Fool" (1891). Stunning original signed ink sketch, heavy stock 7¼" X 9 3/4" art board, n.p. n.y. Very good. Pleasantly age toned to a creamy vellum color; lower left corner (triangular, roughly 4" X 2¼") and lower right corner (ditto, roughly 2 3/4" X 1") creased and strengthened on verso, but not terribly noticeable or disfiguring on recto; mounting traces on verso. A stunning head-and-shoulders portrait of General William T. Sherman in uniform later years, gazing intently at the viewer. Finely executed in great detail, Sherman appears tired and rather haggard, with thinning hair and white beard. The eyes in particular are exceptionally well done and lifelike, grabbing the viewer with their piercing intensity. Gribayedoff signs quite small at lower left, noting "after photo" below his signature. We have not been able to pinpoint the occasion for this portrait or the specific photographs on which it is based, but likely it accompanied a "New York World" story about Sherman. Gribayedoff originals are quite scarce and desirable. Despite mild corner damage, a most handsome piece. .

Keywords: Art & Architecture


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