Five telephone lines competed against Landau who was the winning bidder at £6800 (plus 23% premium). “I would have paid considerably more,” said Landau. “It’s very rare to have an artwork that has a Jewish subject matter – in this case a rabbi carrying the Torah crown – by a Jewish artist”.
Associated with the Pre-Raphaelites, Solomon was noted for his depictions of both Jewish life and the same-sex desire that – following his arrest – would blight his career.
His reputation has recovered in recent years: the recent exhibition Queer British Art 1861-1967 at Tate Britain included seven works by Solomon. Sworders’ 12½ x 14½in (31 x 36cm) drawing, signed with initials and numbered 5645, came for sale from a local private client with expectations of £800-1200.
