Sunday, January 4, 2009

William J. Webbe


[A Thief of a Magpie] 1856
oil on board
.
fl. 1853 - 78
A fascinating painting by a virtually unknown artist who seems to have been on the periphery of the Pre-Raphaelites. Although no record exists of his having direct contact with the PR's, his paintings in their meticulous detailed style are obviously influenced by them.
Webbe seems to have lived on the Isle of Wight (at least in 1855-60). Notice the quarreling figures in the bottom left corner. There are initials on the spoon 'C.A.T.' that may be the commissioner of the painting ?

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