Bonhams in London, in an auction of British and European Art (19 June 2025), offers two drawings by Charles Shannon in a rather carelessly described lot (see lot 8).
Study for The Capture; Male nude studytwo, one signed with initials and dated 'C S 1927' (in pencil, lower left), and inscribed 'The Capture' (in pencil, lower right); the other signed with initials (lower left)
one watercolour and pencil, the other black and white chalks
the largest 34 x 38 cm (13 3/8 x 14 15/16in). (2)
unframed
 |
| Study by Edward Joseph Paynter British and European Art, Bonhams, 19 June 2025 |
The illustrations indeed show two drawings by Shannon, but also the backside of three chalk drawings by an artist whose name is not mentioned in the description, but can be identified as Edward Joseph Paynter (1870-1945). Their value is apparently considered to be minimal.
Shannon's 'Male nude study' is in black and white chalk on blue prepared paper.
 |
| Charles Shannon, Male nude study British and European Art, Bonhams, 19 June 2025 |
This study depicts a naked man seen from behind. His right arm is stretched upwards as if he is reaching for something. It could be a preliminary study for the nude figure in his 1921-22 painting 'The Golden Age'. There was also a 1907 version, which was called 'an ambitious idyl with nudes and half-draped figures under trees'. (Both paintings: whereabouts unknown.)
 |
| Charles Shannon, 'The Golden Age' (1921-22) |
To the right of the centre, there is a man standing in roughly the same position. After swimming, he reaches for a towel or a piece of clothing hanging over a tree branch.
