Myles Birket Foster RWS (1825-1899) - Late 19th Century Watercolour Rural Idyll

Description

An idyllic rural scene depicting three children examining eggs in a birds nest. A flock of sheep graze on a hill in the distance. Presented glazed in a washline mount and a gilt-effect wooden frame with an ornate outer edge. Monogrammed to the lower-left corner. On watercolour paper.

Condition

There is some very slight foxing and discolouration but overall in excellent condition for its age.

Size

15.8 x 23.6cm (6.2" x 9.3")
Framed Size: 40.2 x 47.7cm (15.8" x 18.8")

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Artist Biography

Myles Birket Foster RWS (1825-1899) was an illustrator, engraver, and painter, chiefly in watercolours, of landscape and rustic scenes in Surrey and elsewhere which are peopled with children and milkmaids. He was born in North Shields and moved to London when he was five. At around the age of sixteen, he was apprenticed to Ebenezer Landells, a leading wood engraver who had been a pupil of Bewick. There he first cut blocks and then produced drawings of topical scenes and current events for Punch, The Illustrated London News, and other magazines. He was then employed as a draughtsman under Henry Vizetelly and illustrated Longfellow's 'Evangeline' and Rogers's 'Italy'. In 1846 he set up on his own, illustrating books and producing illustrations for The Illustrated London News. Around 1859 he turned to painting chiefly in watercolours. He was elected an associate of the OWS in 1860 and the RWS in 1862, going on to contribute around 400 paintings to its exhibitions. He also exhibited at the RA from 1859-1881. He is best known today for his watercolours of the Surrey countryside, but also painted continental scenes in France, Germany, and Italy.