William Edward Frank Britten - ‘Hearing’ – Figure of a Woman

signed, inscribed and dated 1880 on reverse; oil on canvas,
19 × 7 ins

W.E.F. Britten was a painter and decorator, who was
much encouraged by Lord Leighton. He mainly
painted allegorical figures, which reflect the influence
both of Leighton and Albert Joseph Moore. Britten
helped Leighton with the frescoes in the Victoria and
Albert Museum, and also worked on the mosaic
spandrels in the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral. Britten is
an interesting artist, who deserves to be better
remembered.

1848–1916