Henry George Hine RI (1811-1895) - Framed 1845 Watercolour Rip Van Winkle

Description

A characterful watercolour portrait by Henry George Hine (1811-1895) depicting Rip Van Winkle descending from the Catskill Mountains after twenty years of deep sleep, having slept through the American Revolution. The watercolour is beautifully detailed with careful attention paid to Winkle's flowing white beard and weathered clothes. The short folktale was written by American author Washington Irving and was first published in 1819. The watercolour study is well presented in a slim gilt effect frame. Signed 'H.G. Hine' to the lower right and dated 1845.

Condition

The condition is typical for a picture of this age including some discolouration to the watercolour and light wear to the frame.

Size

16.5 x 22cm (6.5" x 8.7")
Framed Size: 27 x 32.5cm (10.6" x 12.8")

Artist Biography

Henry George Hine (1811-1895) was an English landscape-painter and comic illustrator born in Brighton, Sussex. He taught himself to draw and paint, and was encouraged by a neighbouring vicar who had watercolours by Copley Fielding. Hine painted several seascapes and coastal scenes in Sussex, and then went to London, where he was an apprentice draughtsman to Henry Meyer. After he left Meyer, Hine went to Rouen and remained there for about two years. He returned, first to Brighton, then to London, where he became a professional wood engraver. In 1841, Hine extended his practice to drawing on the wood for illustrated journals.