Harold Speed (British, 1872-1957) Sketch for The Vale of Leutha oil on panel 22.5 x 26cm (8 7/8 x 10 1/4in). Footnotes: Provenance From the collection of Sir Francis and Lady Cook, Jersey. This work is a sketch for the London Royal Academy exhibit in 1928, The Glasgow Institute, 1928 and the Paris Salon 1932. The Vale of Leutha features in William Blake's epic poem Visions of the Daughters of Albion (1793). In the present work, Speed evokes the metaphysical reflections of 'the soft soul of America, Oothoon', who 'wandered in woe': Along the vales of Leutha, seeking flowers to comfort her; And thus she spoke to the bright Marygold of Leutha's vale: 'Art thou a flower? art thou a nymph? I see thee now a flower, Now a nymph! I dare not pluck thee from thy dewy bed!' Sir Francis Cook, 4th Baronet (1907-1978) was an artist and exhibited at the Royal Academy and elsewhere; he was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an Associate of the Royal Society of British Artists, making Jersey his home from 1948. His friendship with other artists of his time accounts for many of the 20th Century paintings in the collection, probably acquired as gifts or by exchange. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * AR * VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. AR Goods subject to Artists Resale Right Additional Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing