Edward Neale (1833-1904) - Framed 1884 Watercolour Mallard at Kingsclear

Description

A rare late 19th century watercolour by the well listed Victorian artist Edward Neale (1833-1904). The scene depicts a skein of mallards landing on a body of water at dusk. Neale as captured each bird in fine detail with their dark green heads and curling tail feathers. Signed with initials and dated 1884 to the lower right. The watercolour has been well-presented in a complimenting contemporary frame with a crisp white mount. On paper.

Condition

The condition is typical for a picture of this age including some minor discolouration.

Size

24 x 52cm (9.4" x 20.5")
Framed Size: 45.5 x 72cm (17.9" x 28.3")

Artist Biography

Neale was born in Speen, Berkshire. His father was a wine merchant and shopkeeper from Norfolk. It appears that Neale had a talent for drawing and perhaps his childhood in the country produced a love of ornithology. By the time he was 25 he was exhibiting in the Royal Academy, the British Institution and at the Society of British Artists.

Neale never entered the uppermost ranks of bird artists. But his published works for Rev. John George Wood and Edward Booth were of a very high standard and drew many plaudits. As well as his work for ornithological publications, Neale also painted many other large works as paintings in their own right, but few of these have been seen.

Neale died a bachelor, devoted to his art in 1904.