[Haydn, Joseph. (1732–1809)] Dance, George. (1741–1825)
Original Portrait Drawing, Possibly from Life
A very fine original pen and ink portrait sketch of the great composer, possibly drawn from life, titled "Haydn" at the foot and with a lengthy 19th century note citing information on the composer, attributing the portrait to George Dance, and giving information on the artist from Samuel Redgrave's 1878 "A Dictionary of Artists of the English School." Rather toned, but overall fine. 3.5 x 4 inches (8.8 x 10 cm).George Dance (1741–1825) was principally an architect, and was one of the founding members of the Royal Academy. His architectural designs include the Theatre Royal at Bath, Newgate Prison, and the front of the Guildhall in London. Dance's years after 1798 were devoted to art rather than architecture. His Academy contributions consisted of highly finished pencil profile portraits of his friends in Regency London's artistic establishment. 72 etchings were engraved after them by William Daniell and A Collection of Portraits were published over ten years from 1804. Haydn visited London for two lengthy periods during 1791–92 and 1794–95 and, given the exhibition of the Dance portraits in 1798, it is possible that this portrait dates from the second of these visits. (1472)
Art/Sculpture Classical Music