Paris, an original pen and ink sketch by War Artist Sir William Orpen 1919
ORPEN, Sir William. Paris. Original pen and ink self caricature drawing with autograph inscription. Paris Peace Conference, 1919.
The drawing measures approximately 330 x 180 mm. Mounted and framed, overall dimensions approximately 485 x 345 mm. Original pen and ink drawing on paper depicting a procession of stylised figures including fashionable women and society characters, through which a uniformed officer strides with exaggerated self confidence. The central figure represents the artist himself in caricature. Titled Paris beneath the drawing and signed within the inscription "Monsieur Petit William."
Inscribed below the drawing:
"My dear Lordship. Alexanders letter received, I wish I could see you before you go off to Canada - but I'm tied here hand and foot - the above is a daily occurrence 'Le Promenade de le Petit major' gee - why was I born so beautiful? My best wishes for your journey. Monsieur Petit William.
No one has even arrived here for the portraits of Cuvre and Lomis. Please remember me to Ladyship."
Sir William Orpen (1878-1931) served as an official British war artist during the First World War and was present in Paris and Versailles during the 1919 Peace Conference, where he recorded political figures, diplomats and the surrounding world of the negotiations. Alongside his formal portraits and large historical paintings, Orpen frequently produced pen and ink caricatures for friends.
The present drawing shows the artist himself marching through a stylised Parisian crowd. The signature "Monsieur Petit William" was a nickname he used for himself in letters at around this time.
An original Orpen self caricature drawing from the period of the Paris Peace Conference.