SIR FREDERIC WILLIAM BURTON R.H.A. (IRISH 1816-1900)

SIR FREDERIC WILLIAM BURTON R.H.A. (IRISH 1816-1900)
The widow of Wöhlm
signed and dated FWBurton / MDCCCLIX upper left; signed, titled and dated on a label on the backboard
watercolour
46 x 58.5cm (18 x 23in)

Painted in 1859

Provenance:
J. Robinson Esq by 1862

Exhibited:
London, Old Watercolour Society, 1859
London, International Exhibition, 1862, no. 1211

The present work was greatly praised when it was first exhibited at the Old Watercolour Society in London in 1959. One reviewer commended it as the highlight of the exhibition. He described it glowingly as: ‘The picture of highest intent’ noted Burton’s technical dexterity, and concluded: ‘...there is not another picture of the year which can assert stronger claim to the high dignity of art’ (Blackwood Magazine, December 1959, p. 141). The Times wrote: 'No early master, not Memling or Van Eyck, not Martin Schon, Cranach, or Holbein, ever painted an individual physiognomy more conscientiously than Mr Burton has painted his widow.’

The work’s origin and success stemmed from Burton’s regular travels through Europe, and in particular the time he spent in Germany. Whilst staying in Munich in 1844 he was engaged by Maximilien II, King of Bavaria to restore and make copies of works in the Royal Collections. Burton returned to Munich in 1851, living and working for Maximilien for the next seven years. He produced detailed watercolours inspired by the local people and the surrounding architecture, returning annually to exhibit in London. As well as the present work, German subjects included Peasantry in Franconia waiting for Confession and The Procession in Bamberg Cathedral. * Please note that this lot is subject to import VAT at a rate of 5% on the Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on the Buyer’s Premium.