19th Century Genre Scene " Curiosity Unsealed" Oil on Canvas Attributed to Thomas Webster (English 1800-1880) For Sale

This whimsical 19th-century oil on canvas, attributed to Thomas Webster R.A (1800-1886), depicts two young boys spying...

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19th Century Genre Scene " Curiosity Unsealed" Oil on Canvas Attributed to Thomas Webster (English 1800-1880)

Name: 19th Century Genre Scene " Curiosity Unsealed" Oil on Canvas Attributed to Thomas Webster (English 1800-1880)
Price: 2900 USD
Availability: InStock

$2,900

Antique Resources

Chicago, IL

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This whimsical 19th-century oil on canvas, attributed to Thomas Webster R.A (1800-1886), depicts two young boys spying inside of a … more This whimsical 19th-century oil on canvas, attributed to Thomas Webster R.A (1800-1886), depicts two young boys spying inside of a sealed letter, careful not to break the seal. The scene is further illustrated with a trail leading to the sea, a little dog tearing up some of the remaining letters strewn from a leather pouch, and a house with thatch roofing behind a wooden fence. The painting also features the monogram "WT" in the lower left-hand corner.

Housed in an exquisitely carved period frame – a work of art in itself. This gorgeous piece resides in an ornate Louis XV late Régence style frame adorned by corner and center rocaille cartouches with floral bosses and inner running foliate ornament. The shape comes from the swept sides and concave profile especially characteristic of Louis XV frames. The Régence frame style (c.1715-1723) placed greater emphasis on the corners and centers. The full Regency style was both opulent and delicate, with the order and linearity of this period giving way to the swirling delicacy of the Rococo. Likely not original to the painting due to style and date discrepancies.

Webster was born in London, the son of a member of George III’s household. He began his studies at the Royal Academy Schools in 1821, winning a gold medal in 1825. Over the course of a successful career, he exhibited eighty-three works at the Royal Academy between 1823 and 1879, thirty-nine at the British Institution (1824–44), and eight at the Society of British Artists (1825–34). He was ultimately elected an ARA in 1840 and an RA in 1846. Webster gained great popularity in his lifetime for scenes of contemporary rural, and in particular, cottage life. These genre paintings were widely acknowledged, many of which became popular through steel engravings/reproductions. As seen here, he often painted with children as subjects, in which he depicted everyday occurrences in an ingenious and humorous way. His works are further characterized by skillful composition, detail, and keen observation. In 1857 Webster moved to the village of Cranbrook, Kent, and became the informal leader of the Cranbrook colony that thrived as a group of genre painters in Cranbrook in the latter half of the nineteenth century.

This painting is possibly a copy of another artwork by contemporary, Robert Farrier (British 1796-1879) titled ‘Pursuit of knowledge under difficulties’ that was exhibited at the British Institution in 1841, lot 111. The paintings have nearly identical subject matter and compositions. Unclear whether they crossed paths as they both had paintings in exhibitions at the same time.

This mischievous scene employs expert painting skills and a dynamic composition. This painting is a playful snapshot of quotidian life and would be a joyful addition to a home office, living room, or kitchen.

Canvas: H= 12.25 in. W=10.25 in.
With Frame: H=16.75 in. W=14.25 in. D= 2.25 in 7 lbs. less

Dimensions: 14.25ʺW × 2.25ʺD × 16.75ʺH

Styles: Victorian

Frame Type: Framed

Art Subjects: Portrait; Animals

Period: 19th Century

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Item Type: Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned

Materials: Canvas; Oil Paint

Condition: Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections

Color: Red

Tear Sheet

Condition Notes: Canvas: Minor surface abrasions with areas of craquelure (fine cracks in the paint surface) typical for its age. Tiny white … moreCanvas: Minor surface abrasions with areas of craquelure (fine cracks in the paint surface) typical for its age. Tiny white specks of paint loss on the right side of the painting. Monogram "WT" in the lower left-hand corner. The frame, may not be original to the painting. The gilding on the frame shows wear - loss of gilding and visible areas where the gesso has chipped away, exposing the underlying wood. It is structurally sound, but there are inconspicuous dents, scratches, and chips. The joinery is intact, but there are signs of separation at some of the corners. Although we are attempting to provide realistic online images, differences in lighting sources affect the real color contracts of the painting. However, we recommend you consider the lighting in your home and how different lighting sources preserve the painting best and can improve the details the artist emphasized. We also recommend you determine the proper angle placement for the painting to avoid casting shadows or reducing glare to obtain the highest level of satisfaction from this artwork. H=16.75 in. W=14.25 in. W=2.25 in. 7 lbs. less

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19th Century Genre Scene " Curiosity Unsealed" Oil on Canvas Attributed to Thomas Webster (English 1800-1880)

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