D is for Dandy

Category

Library Item

Item no

23649

Title

D is for Dandy

Description

A thin man with skinny legs leans on a long cane. He holds a three-cornered hat underneath his other arm. He is wearing a fancy long coat and waistcoat of matching material with black breeches, or short trousers. His shoes have buckles and visible beneath his coat he has frilly cuffs, collar and necktie.
Reproduced by kind permission of (c) Desmond Banks.

Artist / maker

Nicholson, William Newzam Prior

Date

1898

Size

24.5 x 19.5 cm

Type

Wood cut

Location

Art and Design Library

'An Alphabet', a series of woodcut prints, was executed by William Nicholson in 1897 and published in 1898. The first image in the series of alphabet illustrations is in fact, a self portrait of the artist. At the age of 25, Nicholson self-deprecatingly said he 'was an Artist'. Of the series, A and D were the pieces submitted for approval by William Heinemann. Each woodblock was valued at £5, and 6p for each of the impressions which were hand-coloured. This design reveals Nicholson's skill for characterisation, and reputedly depicts actor and theatre manager of the time Herbert Beerbohm-Tree.

Along with a woodcut of Queen Victoria made in 1897, 'An Alphabet' served to establish Nicholson's public reputation as an artist. He went on, after 1900, to concentrate on portrait and landscape painting, but his work as a printmaker continues to be highly regarded.

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Related subjects

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Hats

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Neckties

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Shoes

Clothing and dress > Garments > Coats

People > Adults > Men