Early Henry Mayo Bateman Caricature Withdrawn From Auction For Fear It May Fun Afoul Of Racism Law

An alarming caricature apparently created by a teenaged Henry Mayo Bateman festooned with stereotypically bigoted anti-Semitic signifying visuals was withdrawn from auction by Christie's last week after a complaint by a Jewish antiques dealer. The 1903 cartoon would have been done when the legendary cartoonist and illustrator (1887-1970) was just starting to sell material for publication, and would have come almost a decade before he developed the signature style that made him a celebrated artist.

After receiving the complaint the auction house contacted the appropriate department at Scotland Yard to see if the illustration might fun afoul of the U.K.'s Racial And Religious Hatred Act Of 2006, designed to make an offense inciting hatred against someone based upon their religion. Upon learning the material would have to be submitted to authorities for this designation to be made, Christie's withdrew the piece after discussing the matter with their vendor. The antique dealer that made the objection has chosen to remain nameless.
 
posted 9:00 am PST | Permalink
 

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