Lot 215: JAMES E. KELLY (1855-1933) PEN & INK

James Edward Kelly (1855-1933) original pen and ink illustration sketch depicting Washington's Headquarters in Newburgh, NY in 1834. James Edward Kelly (1855-1933) was an American sculptor and illustrator who specialized in depicting people and events of American wars. He studied at the National Academy of Design, and was one of the founders of the Art Students League of New York. He worked as a wood engraver, as an illustrator for Harper's Monthly and other magazines, and for a time shared a studio with artist Edwin Austin Abbey. In 1882 Kelly was commissioned by Oscar Wilde and his touring manager to make a sketch and bas-relief of Wilde for use in promoting Wilde's lecture tour of North America. Kelly's first major commission was for the 1884 Monmouth Battle Monument, five bronze relief panels depicting scenes from the battle. He had a difficult time finding models who did not have mustaches or beards, then being worn by most men of that era, so he prevailed upon a friend from nearby Menlo Park, New Jersey, to pose for him. Because of that, a portrait of the 30-year-old Thomas Alva Edison can be found on the monument as Molly Pitcher's wounded husband. Kelly was also known for his extremely detailed and accurate engravings on historical subjects, often commissioned by magazines. In Frame under glass with glass back. 12"x14"x1/2". Weight 2 pds. PROVENANCE: A Private Charleston SC Estate

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