drawing
- Museum number
- 2019,7015.714
- Description
-
The Garden of Eden with Eve standing beneath the Tree of Knowledge with male figures seated on either side, Adam on the left and the Archangel Raphael on the right; squared for transfer. 1921
Black chalk on laid paper
- Production date
- 1921 (about)
- Dimensions
-
Height: 635 millimetres
-
Width: 563 millimetres
- Curator's comments
- A study for 'The Creation (Adam Eve and Raphael)'. 1921
Wolverhampton Art Gallery, OP76.
John Christian's catalogue entry (137) for this painting in The Barbican exhibition, 'The Last Romantics' 1989 states that the painting represents the Archangel Raphael visiting Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden "and revealing to them the story of their creation."
It was exhibited in Spencer Watson's memorial exhibition with a tempera sketch. No: 35.
- Location
- Not on display
- Acquisition date
- 2019
- Acquisition notes
- John Christian purchased this drawing from Campbell Wilson. He made a note explaining its acquisition history which provides the following information:
"George Spencer Watson (1869-1934)
The Story of Creation
Charcoal, squared for transfer 49.8 x 44.7cm
Provenance: '19th century European Art, including ... a Symbolist Collection, Christie's, South Kensington, 7 June 2006, lot 18 as by Charles Sims.
Bought for me after the sale by Neil Wilson
This drawing was shown to me before it was catalogued by Christie's and I recognised it as a study for Spencer Watson's picture of this name in Wolverhampton Art Gallery. One of the artist's finest works, the picture was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1921 and was included in my Last Romantics exhibition at the Barbican in 1989. No 137. However, the drawing went into the catalogue as by Charles Sims as did another by Spencer Watson, Lot 29, an account of Diana the huntress, more imposing and expensive but to me of lesser quality."
Christian retained an invoice from Christie's to Neil Wilson dated 07.06.19 for sale 4042:
"Charles Sims (British 1873-1928)
Paradis Terrestre charcoal on paper" Presumably an invoice for this drawing.
Attached Campbell Wilson's compliment slip confirming the sale to John Christian.
This item has an uncertain or incomplete provenance for the years 1933-45. The British Museum welcomes information and assistance in the investigation and clarification of the provenance of all works during that era.
- Department
- Prints and Drawings
- Registration number
- 2019,7015.714
