Yorick and Grisette, Abraham Solomon, 1852

Description

This, oil on canvas, painting refers to the passage in A Sentimental Journey where the narrator, Parson Yorick, is seeking help with directions from a particularly attractive glove-seller. She is extremely helpful and Yorick finds her charming and thoughtful. Can she be real? Can he believe in her sincerity?  Can he have evidence of her beating heart? He must take her pulse to be convinced.  Solomon’s painting leads the eye to and fro, restlessly exploring this intimate encounter between a man and a woman.

History

Exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1852; Sotheby’s Belgravia 10th July 1973 miscatalogued as ‘In the Haberdashers’ ; Philips 22nd October 1973 miscatalogued as ‘The Purchase of a Pair of Gloves’.