1846. An original pen & ink drawing by Edward Lear, taken from ‘A Book of Nonsense,’ first published in 1846. This drawing has been examined and fully authenticated as Lear’s work by the late Vivien Noakes, the world expert on Edward Lear. The drawing accompanies the limerick, ‘There was an old person of Dover.’ It is drawn on silk, or possibly fine rag paper, and then laid on paper for support. It was drawn, almost certainly for presentation to friends, and would originally have been part of a group of drawings bound in book form, probably at the time of its making in the early 1860’s. There is some staining and browning, but otherwise the drawing is in excellent condition. The drawing is mounted on acid free card and is supplied with a copy of the letter of authentication from Vivien Noakes. Mount sixe: 24.7 x 30.5 cm. Original ‘Nonsense’ drawings by Lear are exceedingly rare. This item is subject to VAT at the rate of 20%.