Live Auction 13765A Surreal Legacy: Selected works of art from The Edward James Foundation
George Grosz (1893-1959)
Lot 58

George Grosz (1893-1959)

Study in Textures

Closed15 December 2016

Price Realised

GBP 5,625

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George Grosz (1893-1959)
Study in Textures
(i) signed, dated and dedicated 'Grosz 39 To Edward James with my best wishes for a merry x-mas 1940 from George' (lower right)
(ii) signed and dated 'Grosz 39' (lower right)
(iii) signed 'Grosz' (lower right); inscribed '202 SHORE ROAD Long Caston, Lg. Isl.' (on the reverse)
charcoal on paper
(i) 25 3/8 x 19 ¼ in. (64.7 x 48.7 cm.)
(ii) 21 5/8 x 15 7/8 in. (55 x 40.3 cm.)
(ii) 15 ½ x 19 7/8 in. (39.5 x 50.4 cm.)
(3)Drawn in Long Island in 1939

The artist's studio, Douglaston, Long Island, New York, 1939.
A gift from the artist to Edward James in 1940.

Specialist note

Ralph Jentsch has confirmed the authenticity of these works.


Edward James was evidently fairly close to George Grosz during the late 1930s and early 1940s. As well as these beautiful drapery studies, James owned several books bearing friendly dedications. Grosz greatly appreciated the patronage of various art collectors and often wanted to give them watercolours as Christmas presents; however, as he did not want to make assumptions about which of them his friends would like, he produced a painted gift certificate which the collector could exchange for a picture of his choice. One of these certificates, dated 1942, remains in the Edward James Collection.