JOHN WILLIAM WATERHOUSE (1849-1917) A sketch of bear

JOHN WILLIAM WATERHOUSE (1849-1917) A sketch of bear, its paw raised to its snout, signed and dated 1913 lower right, watercolour and pencil on card, 29.75cm x 23cm (unframed) Provenance: Private Collection, Dorset Around the time of the execution of this sketch Waterhouse was working on a picture of the enchantress Circe, who turned mariners into animals using her magic wine. He considered various animals including panthers, baboons and bears. It is most likely that this sketch was made at Regent's Park Zoo, which was close to Waterhouse's home, in preperation for 'Circe'.