Lot 12: BENNETT, ARNOLD (1867-1931, novelist and essayist)

PORTRAIT BY SIR WILLIAM ROTHENSTEIN N.E.A.C., R.P. (1872-1945),
drypoint, head and shoulders, in profile facing left, artist's initials and date 1920 in the field, size of image 6 3/4 x 4 3/4 in (17.2 x 12.1 cm), platemark.

EXHIBITED: Cheltenham Literary Festival, Faces and Places, 1982.

The original drawing for this portrait is reproduced in Rothenstein's Men and Memories, ii. opposite p.102 and in Twenty-Four Portraits, 1920. Bennett and Rothenstein were good friends: 'Bennett read the typescript of Men and Memories and made many encouraging and critical comments.' (Margaret Drabble, Arnold Bennett). For a portrait of Rothenstein see lot 211.