Pennell A Devil of Notre Dame 1893 {1895} NGV [DR]

Pennell, Joseph (1857-1926; American)
A Devil of Notre Dame 1893
Pen & ink
Purchased, 1895
National Gallery of Victoria (4-2)

“Selected by the artist, at the request of the Trustees” (NGV 1905). Pennell, a noted etcher and illustrator, advised the NGV on the purchase of a number of graphic works by various artists, between c.1894 and 1898 (for details, refer linked entry on Pennell).

This characteristic work by Pennell himself is actually quite derivative, clearly reflecting the influence of both his friend Whistler (see Whistler Thames set {1892} NGV [ET]), and Charles Meryon (especially his Le Stryge 1853): see Meryon 6 etchings {1891} NGV [ET].

Refs.

NGV 1905, p.61 (II.Stawell Gallery, no.87; ill.) [£10]