George Catlin’s watercolour sketches of North American Indians, reported in ATG No 2387, were the star turns as far as original artworks were concerned at Forum Auctions (25/20/12% buyer’s premium) on March 28. However, two original, signed caricatures by Max Beerbohm also brought good results.
The chap with rather cross-looking, walrus moustachioed features seen right wrote the music for the Savoy operas. Executed in graphite and grey wash, and last seen at auction at Christie’s in 1976, this portrait of Sir Arthur Sullivan sold at £2400. An ink, pencil and grey wash caricature of Beerbohm’s friend, the American portrait painter John Singer Sargent, also its companion in that earlier King Street sale, made £4800 this time out.