John Henry Willis RBA, British 1887–1989 - The Descent from...

John Henry Willis RBA,
British 1887–1989 -

The Descent from the Cross, 1925;

oil on board, signed and dated lower right 'J.H. Willis 25' and titled on the artist's label attached to the reverse, 57.6 x 68.5 cm (ARR)

Note:
with 'Association of Devon Art Societies' label with artwork details attached to the reverse

Willis was a celebrated muralist and this can be seen in the simple, yet monumental feel to this work, with its strong sense of composition and cool palette. The work is typical of the era which saw a return to large-scale mural painting, with notable proponents being Sir Thomas Monnington, Evelyn Dunbar and Winifred Knights. Willis painted a major lunette for the Laing Gallery in Newcastle in 1934, before settling in Devon where he found the Arts and Crafts Society in 1951. Works by the artist are also at the Torre Abbey Museum and Paignton Hospital.