JOHN DUNCAN FERGUSSON R.B.A. (SCOTTISH 1864-1961)
SELF-PORTRAIT (WITHIN A SKETCHBOOK CONTAINING APPROXIMATELY 55 PENCIL DRAWINGS)
One of approximately 55 pencil drawings of heads, figures etc. within a sketchbook with dark blue cover
21cm x 13.5cm (8.25in x 5.25in)
Acquired from the Artist's widow, Margaret Morris and thence by descent to the present owner
An artist’s sketchbook, such as the present lot, gives an intimate glimpse into their ideas and working process. It is of Fergusson’s favourite brand, bought from The Paris American Art Company on boulevard du Montparnasse, style (with navy covers) and size (slightly narrower than A5). It could be tucked into a jacket pocket alongside a conté crayon or two, carried around all of the time and retrieved as soon as a scene or subject caught his eye. As someone who revelled in Paris’s social scene, from its parks and gardens to its numerous cafés, Fergusson was rarely short of a subject to capture at speed and with spontaneity.This example contains mainly head and shoulder sketches of men and women, caught in attitudes from smiling to smoking and with varying degrees of observation and humour. A bowler-hatted gentleman is seen seated at a table, enjoying a drink, the glasses and trimmed moustache and beard of another man are delineated in short, distinct lines, whilst the profiles of a range of hats worn by women celebrate Parisian chic. Dispersed throughout are a number of self-portraits, as Fergusson drew himself in part-profile, with a focus on his neckwear, distinctive hair parting and hairline, before he was drawn to another model.Further examples of similar sketchbooks can be found in the collection of Culture Perth & Kinross.