This is a beautiful pen and ink sketch by one of Scotland's finest draughtsmen, Sir Muirhead Bone (1876 - 1953).
Muirhead Bone was born in Partick, Glasgow, and trained as an architect. He attended evening classes at the Glasgow School of Art and was self-taught as an etcher.
In 1901 he settled in London, where he quickly established an international reputation, selling prints for large sums. He produced nearly 500 prints and was knighted in 1937.
This very accomplished little pen and ink sketch - it is a sheet taken from a sketchbook - as revealed by the little perforated edge to the left-hand side.
This is a rare, early sketch was made when Bone was visiting Spain on an extended visit in 1929. Many of his drawings were later etched by Bone and resulted in the folio Old Spain which was published in 1936.
This sketch shows a group assembling at the marketplace in the town of Oviedo in Spain.
It has been quickly drawn in pen and highlighted with little touches of watercolour as simple colour notes or reminders,
This rapid study certainly captures the hustle and bustle of the busy market. Muirhead Bone did a series of different marketplaces in sunny Spain - and he seemed totally fascinated with all the action of the vendors and customers on a busy market day.
It is in excellent condition with no issues.
It is signed and titled by the artist, lower right
It is being sold framed and is in good condition. There is an old label on the back, as photographed which gives details of its provenance and its exhibition history.
Image size: 14 x 21 cm; Frame size is 37 x 43 cm.
Fabulous museum-quality original artwork by much sought-after Scottish artist. It has a fair price attached to it - it was retailed at £650 some 32 years ago.