
A man taken ill
"A Man Taken Ill" by L.S. Lowry depicts a crowded urban street scene in which a solitary figure collapses or stumbles while passersby largely continue about their business, exemplifying the artist's characteristic interest in the tension between individual suffering and collective indifference in modern industrial society. Executed in Lowry's distinctive style with his characteristic matchstick figures and muted palette, the work captures the alienation and emotional distance characteristic of urban life. The painting reflects Lowry's enduring concern with the human condition within the mechanized landscape of industrial Lancashire and Manchester.
- Signed
- Yes
- Spotted At
- Auction House · Christie's
Notes
EXHIBITED Salford, The Lowry, Unseen Lowry: Paintings and Drawings from LS Lowry's Home, June - September 2013. Salford, The Lowry, on long-term loan, 2013-2026. Conditions of sale Brought to you by Pippa Jacomb Director, Head of Day Sale PJACOMB@CHRISTIES.COM +44 (0) 20 7389 2293 LOT ESSAY We are delighted to be offering a selection of paintings and drawings from the Estate of L.S. Lowry which he bequeathed to the present owner. This is a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire works directly from the artist’s ownership, which have been on long term loan to museums since his death in 1976. Within this group are a number of strong portraits and figure groups, including the oil paintings Girl with white socks and Figures Talking and striking drawings, Group of figures and a dog, and A man taken ill. Works in the collection range from the early 1920s to the early 1970s, and include an important group of seascapes, including Grey Sea, a vigorously painted oil from 1970. Lowry travelled around the British Isles extensively after his retirement from the Pall Mall Property Company in 1952, and he continued to be inspired by his cast of northern characters, who stimulated him to continue to paint and draw for the rest of his life. These works have only been displayed to the public while being on loan to The Lowry, and we look forward to showing them to a wider audience.
🔨 Auction Lot
Modern British and Irish Art Day Sale
March 19, 2026
Estimate: $15,000 – $25,000
Sold: $15,240
Lot 140
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