Stolzer, Rob :: Art For Sale

C.W. Kahles - Rare, Early Shakespeare Illustration - Merry Wives of Windsor

Artist: C.W. Kahles (All)

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C.W. Kahles - Rare, Early Shakespeare Illustration - Merry Wives of Windsor Comic Art

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Artwork Details

Title:	C.W. Kahles - Rare, Early Shakespeare Illustration - Merry Wives of Windsor
Artist:	C.W. Kahles (All)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Illustration
For Sale Status:	FS - $225 + Shipping
Views:	230
Likes on CAF:	1 2
Comments:	0
Added to Site:	3/8/2024
Comic Art Archive:

Description

C.W. (Charles William) Kahles (1878-1931) is most well-known for his long-running comedic melodrama, Hairbreadth Harry, one of the first of that genre of comic strips. Hairbreadth Harry ran from 1906 to 1940, with F.O. Alexander taking over the strip after Kahles' passing.

Kahles was one of the most prolific cartoonists in the early 20th century, juggling a combination of newspaper strips and magazine cartoons. At one point, Kahles had eight Sunday page features running at the same time, though these were not long-running strips. He was also contributing work on a regular basis to Life, Judge, and Puck, among others. Before working on comic strips on a regular basis, Kahles contributed work to the New York World and the New York Journal.

Gordon Campbell, one of the great early researchers and writers about comic strips and political cartoons wrote of Kahles: "Mr. Kahles was the real genius of the pioneer cartoonists. He had that great and rare talent of storytelling and the draftsmanship to portray his ideas. Charles W. Kahles had the keen insight to detail his drawings without cluttering them with unnecessary lines. He showed his versatility with many cartoon features while doing several successful strips over a period of years. I think only the few, like myself, that have made complete studies of the overall comics industry could ever understand or appreciate Charles Kahles' contribution to comic art."

I�m pleased to be able to offer what may be the earliest C.W. Kahles artwork in existence. Titled the �Merry Wives of Windsor�, the scene, from a Shakespeare comedy, pictures a broke Falstaff as he attempts to seduce the lady of the house. The drawing, dated 1894, is pretty incredible, with detailed hatching and cross-hatching throughout. The depth and weight of the figures and space are quite wonderful, as a 24-year-old Kahles pulled out all the inky stops. Measuring 17�x 21��, this is rare stuff from this period. Outside of a dinged upper right corner, well away from the art area, this drawing is in remarkable condition, especially given its age. A bargain, to be sure. $225.00 + 19.00 Priority shipping.

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About the Owner

	Rob Stolzer Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	September 2004
Last Login:	September 2025
Ebay Id:	robart
Website:	https://freeassociationfunnies.com/
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	Rob's Classifieds Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF Read More About RobStolzer

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