George Cruikshank
1792-1878
The Last Chance
4 3/4 x 3 3/4 inches (123 x 98 mm); on sheet 9 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches (242 x 170 mm)
Watercolor over graphite, on paper.
1986.1905
Bequest of Gordon N. Ray, 1987.
Notes
Title from published illustration caption.
No watermark.
Original drawing executed in watercolor wash over graphite for an illustration for Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist", published in v. 5, p. 160 (facing), of Bentley's miscellany as an illustration for the serialized text of Dickens' novel (issued Feb. 1837-Mar. 1839), and as a frontispiece plate to v. 3 of the first edition in book form (London : Richard Bentley, 1838), which appeared some six months prior to the completion of the serialized work.
No watermark.
Original drawing executed in watercolor wash over graphite for an illustration for Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist", published in v. 5, p. 160 (facing), of Bentley's miscellany as an illustration for the serialized text of Dickens' novel (issued Feb. 1837-Mar. 1839), and as a frontispiece plate to v. 3 of the first edition in book form (London : Richard Bentley, 1838), which appeared some six months prior to the completion of the serialized work.
Inscriptions/Markings
Signed in pencil at the foot of the design, "George Cruikshank."
Summary
Drawing shows Bill Sikes on the sloping red tiled roof of a house, gripping a rope tied around a chimney to prevent himself from falling. His dog stands upon the crest of the roof, while occupants of the neighboring houses crane their necks out of windows to observe the scene.
Associated names
Ray, Gordon Norton, 1915-1986, former owner.
Artist
Classification
Century Drawings
School
Catalog link
Department