Dame Laura Knight

Provenance:

Private Collection, Florida

Lot Note:

Dame Laura Knight today is admired for her lively depictions of everyday life and her virtuoso command of drawing. Born in Derby, she studied at the Nottingham School of Art, where she met the painter Harold Knight, whom she later married. In 1936 she became the first woman elected to full membership of the Royal Academy since its founding in the eighteenth century, and in 1929 she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. 

Knight worked across a wide range of media, but works on paper played a central role throughout her career. Whether executed in charcoal, pencil, watercolor, or pastel, these works demonstrate the immediacy and technical assurance that underpinned her larger compositions. Often created from life, her drawings usually capture performers, dancers, or in this case circus artists - all marked by a remarkable sense of spontaneity and vitality. 

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding. The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's. Please email adriannewolkenberg@freemansauction.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.