Somerset Maugham

Date1966-1985

Artist Eddie Arning 1898 - 1993

MediumPastel on paper

DimensionsOverall: 26 × 20 in (66.04 × 50.8cm)

Credit LineGift of Robert Cogswell and Betty Dornberger Cogswell

Object number2024.201.4

DescriptionDrawing of a man in a brown v-neck sweater sanding on a white path between trees and red and yellow flowers.Label TextIt is unclear what inspired Eddie Arning to depict English author and playwright W. Somerset Maugham, who passed away two decades prior. In the mid-1960s a resurgence of interest in Maugham's materials icluded the printing of several paperback copies of his works along with a memoir written by a nephew and a four-volume collection of Maugham's short stories.

Arning's friend, Bob Cogswell, purchased this picture. It was noted in Sackton's ledger as "Very good."Inscription(s)The work is signed on the reverse by the artist and is also inscribed with the number 651ProvenanceEdding Arning [1898-1993] (Austin, TX); Robert and Betty Cogswell (Austin, TX); 2024, given to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)