Sir William Russell Flint RA A Question of Attribution Signed Artist Proof 1963

Sir William Russell Flint RA (1880–1969)


A QUESTION OF ATTRIBUTION – 1963


Rare Pencil-Signed Artist’s Proof – Fine Art Trade Guild Blindstamp – Original 1964 Framing Label


A magnificent and highly decorative Artist’s Proof of A Question of Attribution by the celebrated Scottish artist Sir William Russell Flint RA (1880–1969), published in 1963 by the prestigious fine art publishers Frost & Reed Ltd of Bristol and London.


Personally signed in pencil by the artist to the lower right margin, with a Fine Art Trade Guild blindstamp and the added distinction of a surviving period framing label dated 8 May 1964, specifically identifying the work as an Artist’s Proof (A.P.).


A particularly attractive and collectable example of one of Russell Flint’s wonderfully theatrical compositions.


The Artwork

‘A Question of Attribution’ is a captivating celebration of feminine beauty, elegance and artistic imagination.


The composition depicts a gathering of beautiful young women in an elaborate arrangement of flowing fabrics, sumptuous costumes and dramatic poses.


At the centre of the scene, a young woman appears to examine a painting, while the surrounding figures are arranged amongst billowing pink, crimson and coral-coloured drapery.


Russell Flint’s exceptional handling of the female form, combined with his rich colour palette and atmospheric blue-grey background, creates a wonderfully romantic and theatrical composition.


The contrasting colours, delicate skin tones and remarkable attention to movement make this a particularly striking example of his celebrated artistic style.


Artist’s Proof – Pencil Signature & Blindstamp


This example is identified as an Artist’s Proof (A.P.), rather than a standard numbered impression.


It bears the artist’s pencil signature to the lower right margin and a Fine Art Trade Guild blindstamp.


Artist’s Proofs are impressions traditionally produced outside the main numbered edition, often for the artist, publisher or associated parties.


The frame measures approx 69 x 82cm


The label provides valuable historical documentation, specifically recording the artwork as an Artist’s Proof and establishing its framing history in May 1964, shortly after publication.


The survival of this period documentation is a lovely additional feature for collectors of Russell Flint’s work.


About Sir William Russell Flint RA (1880–1969)


Sir William Russell Flint was one of Britain’s most accomplished and admired watercolour artists of the twentieth century.


Born in Edinburgh in 1880, he trained at the Royal Institution School of Art before developing a distinguished career as an illustrator, painter and printmaker.


He became internationally celebrated for his beautiful studies of women, particularly his graceful depictions of models, dancers and figures in romantic Mediterranean settings.


His exceptional mastery of watercolour, delicate treatment of flesh tones and ability to capture movement established him as one of the foremost British artists working in the medium.


He was elected a full member of the Royal Academy in 1933 and received a knighthood in 1947 for his services to art.


Today, his original paintings and signed prints remain popular with collectors of British twentieth-century fine art.


Condition & Presentation

Beautifully presented in an attractive traditional frame with gilt detailing and a wide, elegantly lined mount.


The rich colours of the artwork remain visually striking, particularly the deep crimson, pink and blue-grey tones.


There is some visible age-related discolouration and marking to the mount, particularly towards the lower section, consistent with its age.


The original period framing label remains attached to the reverse.


Please see all photographs as they form an important part of the description


A Highly Collectable Russell Flint Artist’s Proof


A wonderful opportunity to acquire a pencil-signed Artist’s Proof of Sir William Russell Flint’s A Question of Attribution, complete with its Fine Art Trade Guild blindstamp and surviving 1964 framing documentation.


The combination of the beautiful subject matter, artist’s signature, proof designation and period label makes this a particularly interesting example for collectors.


An elegant and impressive work of British twentieth-century art, equally suited to a serious Russell Flint collection or as a striking decorative centrepiece.