INTRIGUING WATERCOLOUR
Artist Doyle had unique touch
Q I’m intrigued by this fanciful watercolour I inherited that looks like gnomes riding a horse. I don’t know if it has any value, but I’m wondering if it might have some history to it, as it doesn’t seem like an amateur work. It measures 11-by-23.5 cm (4.25-by-9.25 inches), but has no signature — just initials at the bottom right corner. The second initial looks like a D. I know this is probably a long shot, but I’m hoping you might be able to help. — Arthur, Guelph.
A You have a fantastic work by Richard Doyle (1824-1883). His distinctive monogram sometimes has a bird perched on it. Doyle was English and was a very talented caricaturist, illustrator and painter of fairy art. His wonderful, outstandingly imaginative illustrations appeared in many publications including Punch magazine and books such as The Woodman and the Elves and A Fox-Hunter’s Nightmare. The fairies and elves, as in your piece, were a large part of his rise to fame. His brother Charles, father of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, was also an illustrator of fairy art.
I believe your work is watercolour with pen and ink. Only great talent could convey the moving drama through the varied facial expressions of the tiny riders on such a small work.
His works have pushed $100,000 for larger examples. If it could be tied to a publication, it would enhance its value. This treasure is well worth $2,000. Q This key has been in my possession for over 55 years. It was found in a small antiques store in Quebec. I know absolutely nothing about it, but find it fascinating. Could you tell me more? It measures 13 cm long (five inches) and seems to be made of two different metals, one of which I suspect is brass. Thanks again. — Jacques, Ottawa
A You have an interesting key. It is most likely meant for a store’s front door — one that would be quite heavy and thick. This explains the long length needed. The lock would be mounted on the inside of the door. The folding aspect allowed for more compact carrying in a pouch or pocket. The elaborate tooth (or bit) is shaped to uniquely operate a particular lock.
They are often erroneously called skeleton keys, but may not be since a skeleton key is one that will operate many locks in a building. The use of brass in combination with iron was to reduce the overall weight of the key while maintaining strength in the right places.
Keys were slow to change in design and it dates circa 18651890 and would have operated a horizontal rim dead lock. A key collection can be formed with low cost and interest in their designs — sometimes for tattoos — is growing. It is worth $35. Q I can trace this family chair back as far as my great-grandmother in Montreal West to a 100-plus years. I do not know how she acquired it. My mother had it re-upholstered about 30 years ago. Thanks. Jim, Ottawa
A Your provenance is sound. This parlour chair was made close to 1895 and could be called a parlour reception chair — possibly bought through the Eatons catalogue for about nine dollars. At this time, a man or woman with typing and shorthand skills could earn between five and eight dollars per week.
It was advertised as “curly birch,” which is evident in the oval back panel. It is topped with a heart-centered ribbon and flanked by scrolls within scrolls, typical of Art Nouveau styles.
Signs of a Quebec manufacturer are evident in the inverted fleur-de-lis at the seat back. It is a showpiece and I picture it in a salon for a musical soiree. It has been well preserved and its worth is soundly $250.
John Sewell is an antiques and fine art appraiser. To submit an item to his column, go to the Contact John page at www.johnsewellantiques.ca. Please measure your piece, say when and how you got it, what you paid and list any identifying marks. A high-resolution jpeg photo must also be included. (Only email submissions accepted.) * Appraisal values are estimates only.*