Thomas Edward Francis (1873-1961) - Signed Watercolour, Continental Town Square

Description

An impressive watercolour from well listed British watercolourist Thomas Edward Francis, with body colour. The detailed figures in the foreground in various animated poses give the composition a dynamic feel. The street scene has been completed in subtle blue and ochre tones, a popular colour palette for Francis. The artist's ability to capture minute levels of detail is show in his completion of the distant church spire, with its striking gothic ornament. Presented in a gilt effect mount. Signed. On watercolour paper.

Condition

The condition is typical for a picture of this age including some discolouration. With scattered foxing visible to the sky area. There are creases to the mount and scuffing to the upper and lower right corners.

Size

23.1 x 19.9cm (9.1" x 7.8")
Sheet: 38.5 x 28.7cm (15.2" x 11.3")

Artist Biography

A London-born son of a solicitor who was also a landscape painter and an habitual traveller. It was his custom to make long walking tours in the summer months, both on the continent and in England. He exhibited works under his name, mostly in London in the early part of the 20th century. He also appears to have exhibited works in oils and watercolours under the names "Pierre Le Boeuf", "Arthur Drew", and "Andrea Vesari". Before World War I Francis exhibited at the Royal Academy, the New English Art Club, the Royal Society of British Artists, the Nottingham Museum and Art Gallery, the London Salon and the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts. In 1918 enlisted in the Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport division) but did not see action While executing his watercolours of English villages and countryside, he regularly notated the precise subject, place and the date of execution.