27

FELIX DARLEY (1822-1888)
"The Grindstone." Frontispiece illustration published in Chapter II, Book the Third, of Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities. Works of Charles Dickens, Household Edition. 55 vols. Illustrated by F. O. C. Darley and John Gilbert (New York: Sheldon and Co., 1863). Graphite, ink, and sepia on stiff paper. 13x11 inches on 17x14-inch sheet. Signed "F.O.C. Darley, fecit" in lower left image.

The image refers to the scene from Dickens's classic novel in which the mob at Saint Antoine, reacting to the breakdown of civil authority in the midst of the September Massacres, sharpens its weapons in the courtyard of Tellson's Bank, Paris. The passage is: "Shouldering one another to get next at the sharpening-stone, were men stripped to the waist, with the stain all over their limbs and bodies." An observation of the image by Victorian scholar Philip V. Allingham notes that Darley lends the figures a more noble tone, rather than depicting the raw savagery of the author's words (victorianweb.org).

Provenance: Christie's NY (East), May 23, 1994; Private collection, New York.


Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

December 16, 2021 12:00 PM EST
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000