Author: KYD (pseudonym of Joseph Clayton Clarke); [DICKENS, Charles]
Title: David Copperfield. 12 Original Character Studies from Martin David Copperfield
Description: [n.p.]: , 1893. A Unique Set of Original Dickens Artwork By The Artful "Kyd" KYD (pseudonym of Joseph Clayton Clarke), artist. [DICKENS, Charles]. 12 Original Character Studies from David Copperfield. Drawn in colours by "Kyd". [N.p. n.d, ca. 1893]. Twelve fine original pen-and-ink and watercolor drawings illustrating David Copperfield. Quarto (11 1/4 x 8 7/8 inches; 286 x 225 mm.). Twelve original pen, ink and watercolor drawings, each on fine laid paper, and signed by the artist. Original blue wrappers with "12 Original Character Studies from "David Copperfield" Drawn in colors by 'Kyd'" in ink manuscript on front wrapper. Wrappers expertly repaired. Housed in a green cloth portfolio. David Copperfield, a classic novel by Charles Dickens published in serialized form from 1849 to 1850, describes the life journey of the titular character against the dynamic backdrop of Victorian England. The narrative traces David Copperfield’s experiences from birth to adulthood, offering a rich tapestry of characters and themes. Dickens, drawing inspiration from his own life, addresses societal issues such as social mobility, class distinctions, and the broader changes occurring during the Industrial Revolution. In later years, Dickens called David Copperfield his “favourite child,” and many critics consider the novel to be one of his best depictions of childhood. The novel’s enduring appeal lies in Dickens's skillful characterization and his ability to capture the complexities of the human condition. The eccentric Mr. Micawber, the cruel Mr. Murdstone, and the enigmatic Betsey Trotwood are just a few of the memorable figures that populate David’s world. The story explores themes of identity, resilience, and the transformative power of one’s upbringing, providing readers with a vivid portrayal of Victorian society. KYD has faithfully recreated some of the immortal and lovable characters from one of Charles Dickens most famous novels. The characters of the novel here represented are: David Copperfield; Mr. Creakle; Uriah Heep; Betsey Trotwood; Mr. Micawber; Mrs. Micawber; Tommy Traddles; Mr. Murdstone; Daniel Peggotty; Ham; Mrs. Gummidge & Mr. Dick. Joseph Clayton Clark aka "KYD" (1856-1937) worked as a freelance artist with a particular affection for Dickens, his Dickens illustrations first appearing in 1887 in Fleet Street Magazine, with two collections soon to follow: The Characters of Charles Dickens (1889) and Some Well Known Characters from the Works of Charles Dickens (1892). In the first decade of the twentieth century, five sets of postcards based on his Dickens drawings were published, and seven sets of non-Dickensian comic cards by him were issued. Beginning in the 1920s, he earned his living from watercolor sketches, mainly of Dickens' characters, which he sold to and through the London book trade. Frederic G. Kitton gives him early notice in his classic text, Dickens and His Illustrators (1890); Kyd's watercolors were at that date already being avidly bought by major Dickens collectors (Kitton, p. 233), the Cosens sale in 1890 successfully selling a collection of 241 of Kyd's Dickens watercolors, and Mr. Tom Wilson, at the time the foremost collector of Dickens, possessing 331 of Kyd's drawings. "As a character 'Kyd' emulated those of Dickens and his own illustrations - slightly larger than life. In his style and dress he was mildly flamboyant for the period-He seldom varied his attire from a grey suit, spats, homburg hat, gloves and was never without a carnation or substitute flower in his button hole" (Sawyer, Richard. "Kyd" (Joseph Clayton Clark): A Preliminary Study of his Life and Work Together with an Essay on Fore-Edge Paintings, 1980. p. 7). A superb, singular and most desirable collection of Dickensiana. .

Keywords: [DICKENS, Charles] Nineteenth-Century Literature


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