Columbus jeered at while propounding his theory of the round earth, orange in hand

Details

William Holman Hunt, O.M., R.A. (1827-1910)
Columbus jeered at while propounding his theory of the round earth, orange in hand
signed with initials 'W.H.H.' and indistinctly inscribed (lower edge) and with inscription 'Columbus jeered at while propounding his theory of the round earth orange in hand/ Original drawing by William Holman-Hunt.' (on the reverse)
black chalk, pen and black ink on paper
14 x 20 in. (35.6 x 50.8 cm.)

Provenance

The artist, and by descent to
Gladys Holman Hunt, by whom given to
Charles Stanley Pollitt, 1947, and by descent to his daughter,
Diana Coelho.
with David Carritt, London.
Anonymous sale; Christie's, London, 18 November 1980, lot 71 as `The Mocking of Columbus', where purchased by the present owner.

Literature

J. Bronkhurst, William Holman Hunt: a catalogue raisonné, New Haven and London, 2006, vol II, p. 113, no. D213.

Brought to you by

Clare Keiller

ckeiller@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2729

Lot Essay

In June 1861 Hunt had completed his Eastern inspired works and was considering ideas for new works. The present drawing is a sketch of a possible idea which Edward Lear refers to in his letter of 28 July as `The Columbus Picture'. Hunt however decided against a mediaeval subject.

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