An original New Yorker drawing dating from 1982 was sold this past weekend in Indianapolis. In it, James Stevenson (1929-2017) uses perspective, light, and shade to create a wholly plausible setting for an implausible activity. Stevenson's lines are loose throughout and he betrays little apparent effort, but a solid technique is very much in play here.
 |
| "If Roscoe were a horse, he'd be a Lipizzaner." James Stevenson Original art The New Yorker, December 12, 1982, page 40 |
The gag requires us to notice the dog Roscoe and his upright stance. Therefore the dog gets the darkest wash and the lightest background. The sight lines of the people on either end are aimed directly at Roscoe, while the man in the center turns to address the other man, perhaps a visitor, but gestures toward the dog with an outstretched arm. Various other furniture lines, limbs, and shoes point to the dog and help lead our eyes to him. The caption, written over a lighter area of the drawing, must have been added by Stevenson after publication.
 |
| "If Roscoe were a horse, he'd be a Lipizzaner." James Stevenson Framed original art The New Yorker, December 12, 1982, page 40 |
 |
| Hand-written caption |
 |
| James Stevenson's signature |
 |
| James Stevenson Indiana, American & European Art Jacksons Auction and Real Estate Company |
 |
| Sold for $140 |
 |
| Cartoons by James Stevenson and Charles Barsotti |
03735
No comments:
Post a Comment