Very well drawn and striking, original graphite drawing by the listed Manchester artist Michael Joseph Browne, created in 1983 and sold in 1984.

Titled "Beauty and the Beast" depicting a beautiful young woman see through a porthole, the objects inside and the reflections of what is outside being interwoven - what looks to be a figure in a space suit floating to the right and a whale's tail on the far left. A fine example of the artist's early work, from the period when he had just started exhibiting (see details below). The sheen of the graphite changes the look of this work depending on the angle from which it is lit - from one point it glows, from another that changes to a deep velvety black.

Signed and dated 1983 lower right (partially obscured by the mount) and with the original sale certificate attached verso, which gives the title, date and is fully signed a second time. 

Graphite on wove paper, laid on card. In the original bright metal frame with single mount.

Image size 57.5cm x 82cm; frame size 76.5cm x 97cm. 

Drawing in excellent original condition, there was a vertical crease in the sheet of paper before the drawing was made and this can still be seen to the right of the girl's head (see photos). Frame in good condition, with some very slight nicks and scratches, mount clean (see photos).

Comes with our Certificate of Authenticity - guaranteed authentic and original.

Please note, due to the size, this work will be delivered mounted and framed as shown, but without glass, to protect it in transit.

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Michael Joseph Browne b. 1963

British figure painter in various media.

Michael Brown was born in Moss Side Manchester, to a single parent. Showing artistic talent from an early age, his Foundation studies were at Manchester Polytechnic, followed by a Fine Art degree at Chelsea School of Art. He completed his MA at Manchester Metropolitan University in 1993.

He was given his first solo exhibition while still at Manchester Poly, aged just 19, by The Ginnel Gallery in 1982 and for the following two years. In 1988 he was selected for the ATHENA awards by Manchester Art Gallery Director, Julian Spalding, his work being exhibited at the Barbican, London. In 1993 he held his first London solo exhibition at 198 Gallery, Brixton, London, titled 'Moss Side, an Urban Landscape'.

2001 saw his work included in the 'Painting the Century' Exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. Featuring 100 Portraits marking each year of the 20th Century, 'The Art of the Game' painting was chosen for the year 1997. In 2008 the BBC documentary 'Michael Browne - Made in England' was produced which became the winner of the Royal Television Society 'Best Regional Programme Award' 2009.

In 2023 his 'From Moss Side to Marseille' exhibition based on Sport, Politics and Society was staged in collaboration with Eric Cantona at the National Football Museum. This included paintings by Browne that are owned by Eric Cantona and was reviewed widely in the international media. This year he exhibited at Manchester Museum and Art Gallery.