Harry Dixon (1861–1942) - 1888 Oil Game Bird

Description

An exquisitely executed late Victorian oil, showing a delicate pigeon, lying on a butchers block. The artist has captured the softdusty grey-blue of the bird's feathers in a most engaging way, with the crispness of the shadows and tips of the feathers contrasting with the down softness of the head and neck. The artist has signed and dated to the lower right. On the reverse of the artist's board there is a second, unfinished oil study of a lion (lions were Dixon's main subject of choice and this particular study is indicative of his style). The painting has been handsomely presented in am early 20th Century, rosewood veneer frame with internal gilt slip On board.

Condition

There is some discolouration to the painting. There is an area of loss to the board at the upper right corner. There are two large cracks to the board, one running through the upper left quadrant, the other through the other right. These have been somewhat restored and over painted, yet are still slightly visible.

Size

355 x 44.5cm (139.8" x 17.5")
Framed Size: 51.2 x 60cm (20.2" x 23.6")

Artist Biography

Harry Dixon was born in 1861 in Watford, Hertfordshire. As a young man he attended Heatherly’s Art School. Later, he drew from life at Julian's Academy, Paris. First exhibited at Royal Academy 1886, and since then has, with exception of two years, always exhibited. Works shown at R.A. include pictures in oil and water, animal, figure, and landscape subjects, and bronzes of animals.

Has also exhibited for several years at New Gallery, occasionally at the Salon (Champs de Mars) and Brussels and Munich International Exhibitions. In 1891 he painted a large water-colour, “Lions,” which is now in the Tate Gallery.