Daniel Sherrin, (1868-1940). 'The one-minute painting', a sailing boat at sea, oil on canvas,...

Daniel Sherrin, (1868-1940). 'The one-minute painting', a sailing boat at sea, oil on canvas, signed with initials lower right, 7.75" x 9.5", (19.5cm x 24cm), framed.

Sold with handwritten provenance note: “A Wager - laid Jany 26/16 (in the middle of the first war) between George Williams, Ham & Beef shop proprietor St. Peters St., Canterbury and - Dan Sherrin Artist Westbank Whitstable (at the time serving as Recruiting Officer to the Buffs/E.K. [East Kent] Regiment stationed  - Old Park Camp).

The terms of reference: - Williams to carved exactly 1lb of beef from the joint in thin slices - Sherrin to paint a picture in oils. The beef was duly carved in one minute. The picture (unframed) was executed in one minute 10 seconds. “George” kept the picture and handed Dan the beef. Said “Dan”, ‘if I hadn’t put the ship in I should have beat him’. The shop was popular with the military of whom a large number were present. There was considerable side betting. The picture long after was given to the present owner by Mr. Williams.