JOHN, Augustus

Chiaroscuro: Fragments of Autobiography

First edition. Of two variants, this copy the variant with the red topstain and "AJ" on front board, and the Cape imprint on the spine (no priority). Trifle sunned at the crown, corners a little bumped and faint tape shadows where an address label in John's hand had been affixed (and has now been removed and laid in). This copy Inscribed by the painter to Hope Montgomery Scott and her husband Edgar "To Hope & Edgar/ with love/ Augustus 1952." Laid in is a postcard with an affectionate (unsigned) Easter inscription to Hope Scott. In the text John mentions staying at Oliver St. John Gogarty's home where he painted both Mrs. Scott and W.B. Yeats. He mentions Scott with warm affection and comments on her great beauty. A pleasing and significant association between the artist and his model. John was one of the foremost portraitists of his time.

[BTC #965]