William Rothenstein (1872-1945)
Portrait of Charles Conder (1868-1909), seated on the floor
Black and white chalks, on grey coloured paper, image 315 x 210 mm (12 3/8 x 8 1/4 in), under glass, minor surface dirt, framed, [circa 1890s]

⁂ In October 1890, Rothenstein encountered Conder at Julian’s atelier. Described by Rothenstein as “a blond, rather heavily built man, blue-eyed, bearded, with long hair parted in the middle and falling over his eyes” (Rothenstein, 1938, p. 55), Conder would soon become Rothenstein’s closest friend and confidant during his early years in Paris. The drawing in question would appear to have been produced during the beginning of their friendship. This bond gradually faded as both men withdrew from their bohemian lifestyles following their respective marriages at the turn of the century; Rothenstein in 1899 and Conder in 1901.