Singh, Jeff :: Illustration Art and Painted art

The Vicar of Wakefield Original Art by Arthur Rackham

Artist: Arhtur Rackham (All)

10 Comments - 947 Views - 6 Likes

The Vicar of Wakefield Original Art by Arthur Rackham Comic Art

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Artwork Details

Title:	The Vicar of Wakefield Original Art by Arthur Rackham
Artist:	Arhtur Rackham (All)
Media Type:	Mixed Media
Art Type:	Illustration
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	947
Likes on CAF:	6 7
Comments:	10
Added to Site:	3/14/2020
Comic Art Archive:

Description

Here is an original piece of art by Arthur Rackham that is finished inks and colors. It was created as a part of a series of illustrations done for a 1929 printing of the Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith. This illustration is finished but differs from the published piece in some subtle ways. I am not sure if it was a really detailed prelim or just a piece the artist or editor decided needed reworking. Regardless, I think it is a great example of Rackham's illustrative work and I am happy to add this to my collection. I found this at a comic art dealer's table at C2E2 of all places.

The caption at the bottom reads "Bill sings the 'Elegy of the Death of a Mad Dog' while 'Sophy, Love", obeys the Vicar's instructions to take her guitar, (3 words I can't make out) in with the boy a little." In the published version the caption reads "Bill signs "The Elegy of the Death of a Mad Dog". The poem referenced here is by Goldsmith as well about a dog that bites a man and everyone worries about the man passing away when in the end the dog dies. It is a satire as the man is not the good man they portray in the poem and the dog is not the bad dog they portray and in the end it is the poison of man that kills the dog instead of the dogs poison killing the man.

The book has an interesting history having been written in 1761-62 but not published until a few years later. The story goes that Goldsmith was a drunkard and behind on his rent and called a friend that he was in dire trouble. His friend came to find him being held hostage by his landlady for not paying rent. Goldsmith told his friend he had a finished manuscript and his friend took it to a publisher/book dealer and sold it for 60 pounds to get him out of trouble. The manuscript remained unpublished for a few years but was a huge success. It is also considered an important part of English literature as an example of a sentimental novel. It has seen some early silent film adaptations as well. It is not a book I'd heard of before nor the poem but I am uncultured and unsophisticated so no surprise there.

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About the Owner

	Jeff Singh ( 7 ) Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	November 2004
Last Login:	September 2025
Website:	http://www.art4comics.com
Country:	CANADA
On CAF:	Premium Member Q&A Jeff's Classifieds Jeff's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF Read More About JeffSingh

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Comments on this Artwork

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Chris K.
Member Since 2008

Posted on 3/14/2020

Pretty sure Frank Cho said 'wow' when this was handed to him...and pretty sure he would disagree with characterizing yourself as 'uncultured and unsophisticated'. Was REALLY glad to see this in person - a very pretty piece of art.

Davide G.
Member Since 2009

Posted on 3/14/2020

As a quite eclectic collector myself, I can't help but appreciate the extreme variety of your updates. Exquisite piece by a great master illustrator!

Jeff Singh
Member Since 2004

Posted on 3/14/2020

Davide G. wrote:

As a quite eclectic collector myself, I can't help but appreciate the extreme variety of your updates. Exquisite piece by a great master illustrator!

I got both the Cloak and Dagger and the Rackham from the same dealer at the convention in a trade deal. I can't imagine two more pieces being more different and at the same time making sense in my collection. I went to C2E2 with no expectations and this is what I came home with.

Scruffy McFleabag
Member Since 2011

Posted on 3/14/2020

wow!

Rob Pistella
Member Since 2005
Forum Moderator

Posted on 3/14/2020

Achingly beautiful and delicate work of art Jeff! I'd be thrilled to find and obtain this! Well done!!

Duke Fleed aka #1 Groo Fan
Member Since 2013

Posted on 3/14/2020

impressive pick up. love the colours. Congrats.

Rob Stolzer
Member Since 2004

Posted on 3/15/2020

Wow! Big congrats to you, Jeff! Not the sort of piece that you'd ever expect to find at C2E2, but I'm glad you did!

Malcolm Bourne
Member Since 2005

Posted on 3/15/2020

what a wonderful find!! jealousy abounds....

Ben Friedman
Member Since 2006

Posted on 3/15/2020

Love it, congrats! Rackham rocks!

Fabio C.
Member Since 2005

Posted on 3/21/2020

whoa

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