The Lawyer. The Canterbury Tales. New York, 1945.

SZYK, Arthur. The Lawyer. The Canterbury Tales. Signed and Dated “Arthur Szyk, NY (19)45”. Watercolor and gouache on paper. –with— an earlier study for The Lawyer on the verso. Sheet size: 7″ x 5 1/2″. Image size: 6 3/8″ x 4″. Very Good condition.

One of Arthur Szyk’s most beloved, well remembered illustrated books is that of The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, published by The Limited Editions Club in 1946.

The gentleman’s fitted robe is composed of a rich harlequin pattern in blue, purple, and gold. On his belt are a sword and a decorated bag. He holds a writ in his right hand and there are spurs attached to his shoes.

Excerpt from The Lawyer’s Tale:

“…Sir lawyer,” said he, “as ye hope for bliss,
Tell us a tale, as our agreement is.
Ye have submitted by your free consent
To take my judgment without argument;
Then keep your promise, and discharge it now:
So shall ye do your duty, anyhow.”

“Host,” he replied, “by God’s grace I assent.
To break a contract is not mine intent.
Promise is debt, and I will gladly pay
My promises: no better can I say.
“What law a man another man shall give,
By that law he himself should rightly live—‘
That proverb runs. However, this is true:
I have no profitable tale for you;”

RARE SZYK STUDY ON VERSO. The ink drawing on the painting’s verso was an earlier Szyk study for The Lawyer. The face and hands are painted; the body is in pencil and a large red “X” through the center clearly communicates the artist’s intention.

Exhibition History: M. Knoedler & Company, Inc., New York, August 26–September 13, 1946; The Polish Arts Club, The Butler Institute, Youngstown, Ohio, February 2–23, 1947; The Jewish Museum, New York, October 24–December 4, 1952; Laing Galleries, Toronto, January 9–30, 1954.

Publishing History: The Canterbury Tales. New York: The Limited Editions Club, 1946.