Emily Dixon (fl.1885-1886) - Late 19th Century Oil Village Gossip

Description

A fine late 19th century oil depicting a village street scene with figures. Two women can be seen deep in conversation, one holds two large pitchers and the other a smaller jug. A male figure, holding a shepherds crook is depicted sitting on the cobbled street in a nonchalant fashion. The slow pace of rural village life is beautifully captured by the artist Emily Dixon within this composition. Framed in a handsome gilt effect frame with gilt slip. Inscribed with the title at the lower left "Village Gossip!" Signed. On canvas on stretchers.

Condition

The condition is typical for a picture of this age including some discolouration and surface dirt. With craqueleure and surface dirt to the substrate. Inspection under UV light shows various small areas of restoration. Larger area of overpainting to the sky, where paint loss and a small canvas tear has been repaired. Similar repair to the lower left and centre of the canvas, close to the figures. Repairs visible to the reverse. Slight widening to the joints of the frame, most noticeably to the lower right. Minor damage and loss to the lower left corner of the canvas, close to the signature.

Size

49.5 x 39cm (19.5" x 15.4")
Framed Size: 63 x 53.5cm (24.8" x 21.1")

Artist Biography

Emily Dixon was an artist from Hull, known to be active between 1885 and 1886. She exhibited two floral studies at the Royal Academy and two studies at Sussex Street.