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William Heath Robinson
1872-1944
“Who lendeth nothing is an ugly and wicked creature”
Circa 1904
Pen & ink on paper
21.5 x 15 ins, 54.5 x 38 cms.
Signed
About the Artist
William Heath Robinson began work in the tradition of Victorian book illustrators, following in the footsteps of his father. He soon developed his flair for inventiveness and design and in the first fifteen years of the 20th century produced some iconic work. Although now best known for his later humorous drawings of gadgets, through which his name entered the English language, it is in these early illustrations that his artistic genius is recorded.
About this Work
Original illustration to The Works of Rabelais, vol. I, The third book, Ch. III, p.261.
Published by Grant Richards 1904. Signed and inscribed “The man who lends nothing”.
Framed with low-reflective uv protection glass.
The illustrations to Rabelais are widely regarded as Robinson’s best work. Ironically, it was at the time a commercial disaster. The publisher went bankrupt and Robinson was never paid.
Provenance
From the publisher’s archive.