Henry Wright Kerr RSA, Portrait of an Elderly Man, 19th Century, Oil Painting

Description

An original late 19th-century oil painting, henry wright kerr rsa rsw, portrait of an elderly man.an affecting portrait by henry … more An original late 19th-century oil painting, henry wright kerr rsa rsw, portrait of an elderly man.an affecting portrait by henry wright kerr rsa rsw (1857–1936), a prolific scottish artist who is best known for his depictions of elderly, characterful gentlemen, and for his book illustrations. He is considered a fine recorder of scottish character and is arguably scotland's most famous painter of portraits and genre scenes in watercolour. Working primarily in scotland, kerr also spent time in the netherlands, where he was influenced by the hague school artists. Their sombre colours, unadorned realism and strong sense of mood are all features present in this sensitive portrait oil, a medium that is more unusual in kerr's oeuvre.henry wright kerr rsa rsw (1857–1936) was born in edinburgh. After an early education in dundee, where he was apprenticed to a manufacturer, kerr returned to his native city, to study at the life school at the royal scottish academy. In 1882 his first watercolour landscape was exhibited at the rsa.in addition to working in scotland, kerr embarked on a sketching trip to the netherlands where he came under the influence of the hague school. He also visited ireland where, by his portrayal of local character, he was regarded as the natural successor to the scottish figure and genre painter erskine nicol rsa ara (1825–1904), who had taught in dublin and depicted daily irish life.kerr became famous for his genre scenes of scottish and irish characters, working in a similar manner to david wilkie (1785–1841). After 1900 he turned increasingly to portraiture. He is also celebrated for his characterful illustrations for books such as dean ramsay’s 'scottish life and character', 1909 and g.a. Birmingham’s 'the lighter side of irish life', 1911, as well as illustrations for the works of the scottish novelist john galt (1779–1839).kerr was elected a member of the royal scottish society of painters in watercolour in 1891 and the royal scottish academy in 1909. He exhibited widely, including at the royal academy, royal scottish academy, royal scottish society of painters in watercolour and the glasgow institute of the fine arts.works by henry wright kerr are held in numerous public collections, including the national galleries of scotland, dundee art gallery, perth art gallery and edinburgh city art centre.presented in its original wooden frame.image size: 24.7 x 17.4cm. Frame size: 34.4 x 27.2cm.provenance: the estate of phillip allen (1938–2022) signed: no. Inscribed: no. Height: 34.4cm (13.5″) width: 27.2cm (10.7″) condition: there are various small spots where flaked paint has been touched up: to the background paint at the left, at the upper right, along the lower edge and in the forehead area. There is a small area of damage to the canvas in the forehead area, which is only prominent if illumimated from behind. The canvas is slightly buckled to the upper right corner. These issues are more apparent in raking light rather than when hung. Minor rubbing and marks to the frame commensurate with age. Please see photos for detail. Presented: framed. less