Charles Dana Gibson (1867 - 1944) American
Pencil on Paper
Measure 9"in H x 11 3/4"in W and 13"in H x 15 3/4"in W with frame

Known for: Magazine illustration-female figure

In 1886, a nineteen-year-old artist, portfolio in hand, was seen sneaking his way up the back stairs to the New York City offices of the young humor magazine, LIFE. A tall, handsome youth, he hardly looked like the type that needed to sneak his way around anywhere. But he'd spent the entire year making the rounds of every magazine in New York and their unanimous rejection of his work had chipped away at his self-confidence. He had decided that this was it if LIFE didn't buy something, there would be one less artist struggling to sell his work. Among the drawings in the portfolio was a sketch of a dog baying at the moon, with the legend beneath, "The Moon and I." It was a spoof on the ballad of the same name from The Mikado, Gilbert and Sullivan's popular musical. The drawing was mediocre, the technique less than masterful, but it was a funny idea, and the editor thought he saw something promising there. And so, like the proverbial happy ending, he bought it, and Charles Dana Gibson was saved from obscurity. Gibson was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts on September 14, 1867. He came from an old New England family which included artists, merchants, and seamen. His interest in art showed itself early. Charles's father often cut silhouette figures to amuse his son and it was not along before the boy began to create his own pictures. By the time he was 14, his skill with the scissors had become local legend, and he obtained an apprenticeship with Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the sculptor. Unfortunately, it soon became apparent that three-dimensional art was not Gibson's forte. Happily, lack of success with sculpture led to experimentation with pen and pencil. When assignments began to come, he took the opportunity to study in Paris, and the improvement in his drawing was readily apparent. Later in life, at the peak of his career, he again visited Europe and again returned with improvement in technique. Gibson's line and technique are still studied by serious illustrators. His bold lines and use of contrast allowed him to "paint" pictures with no more than white paper and black ink. Character, tone and humor are reflected in a style that was often emulated by the popular artists of his day. The ability to produce original pen and ink work was a new technique in the 1880s when Gibson first arrived on the scene. Up to that time, line artists produced the drawings which were then cut into wood or metal by engravers. Eliminating the "middle man" gave the artist a greater control and enhanced his or her ability to communicate with the reader.

Important Message Regarding Payments : All invoices that exceed the amount of $ 2000 including the buyer premium, must make the payment through check or wire transfer, if we receive the payment through the platform, the money will be reimbursed automatically to your card

Coral Gables Auction strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder

Statements by Coral Gables Auction regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only And should Not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do Not constitute a representation, warranty, Or assumption of liability by Coral Gables Auction

All lots offered are sold "As Is"

For condition report please contact our auction house via email info.coralgablesauction@yahoo.com