Original charcoal on 8vo leaf of James Bond creator and author Ian Fleming in profile, signed by Coward. Visible area: 8 3/4 x 5 1/2 in. Matted and framed (not examined out of frame, overall dimensions 18 1/4 x 14 1/2 in.). Provenance: Acquired Profiles in History, December 11, 2008, Sale 33 Lot 92.

Noel Coward made the acquaintance of Ian Fleming through an introduction by Fleming's future wife Ann, a wealthy socialite who at the time was having an affair with Fleming. Shortly after posing for this casual portrait Fleming was recruited by Rear Admiral John Godfrey, Director of Naval Intelligence, to act as his personal assistant. He would later draw from his background in journalism as well as his wartime service in creating one of the most iconic characters of the 20th century, MI6 agent 007, also known as James Bond.