Joseph Pennell. 1857-1926.
Sunlight Soap. 1905. Etching. Wuerth 385. 8 3/8 x 10 7/8 (sheet 10 1/4 x 15 1/2). Edition probably 50. A carefully-wiped impression printed on fine cream-colored paper from an old book. Printed by the artist. Signed in pencil. $750.
A charming, Whistlerian view of a London grocery store. Sunlight Soap contained copra or pine kernel oil, which helped it lather more easily than traditional soaps made of animal fats. Unusually for the time, the manufacturer, Lever, gaves the soap a brand name – Sunlight – and sold it very successfully. The compay, Unilever, is still in business.
To order, to report broken links or to be placed on the email list, please contact Jane Allinson (allinson@earthlink.net) or fax (860) 429 2825.