(Updated 22/4/01)

Don't Tell - by Arthur J Elsley

“Don’t Tell”
by Arthur J Elsley
(1860 - 1952)

Christie’s New York - 19th Century European Paintings - May 2nd 2001

The paintings of Arthur Elsley have come to epitomise our overly sentimental view of life in Victorian England, writes Paul Keevil. Small children and big dogs form the subject matter of his most popular paintings. His original oils now fetch truly amazing prices, with his St Bernard paintings being among his most sought after. Christie’s (New York) are offering a very typical example of his work at their sale of 19th C. European Paintings at their Rockefella Plaza sale room on Wednesday May 2nd. Incorrectly listed in the catalogue as “Don’t Tell”, the painting is actually called “Private and Confidential”, is signed and dated 1906 and shows the artists three year old daughter Majorie whispering into the ear of a huge but gentle St. Bernard. As with most of Elsley’s paintings it is big, measuring 35” x 25” (89 x 65cm) and carries and equally large pre sale estimate of $250,000-$350,000 (£170,000-£240,000).
Further details may be obtained from Christies New York office on 001 212 636 2000 or
via E-mail on: info@christies.com or visit the company web site at: www.christies.com