Wilfrid Williams Ball (1853-1917) - 1889 Watercolour Spires of Leiden

Description

A very fine and delicate watercolour scene by the artist Wilfrid Williams Ball (1853-1917), entitled 'Spires of Leiden'. This skilled composition has an impressive sense of depth and beauty. As the birthplace of Rembrandt, the Dutch city of Leiden is known for its ancient buildings, waterways and the Hortus Botanicus. There is a previous exhibition label to the reverse inscribed 'Rembrandt Land Exhibition 1889'. Well-presented in a wide mount with gilt frame, as shown. Signed, inscribed and dated on the reverse. On wove.

Condition

In very good condition. Two small foxing spots to the mount, as shown. There are also some small areas of paint loss to the frame, and general scuffing.

Size

24.3 x 14cm (9.6" x 5.5")
Framed Size: 43.8 x 32.9cm (17.2" x 13")

Artist Biography

Wilfrid Williams Ball (1853-1917) was a painter and etcher, born in London and educated at Hackney Grammar School. Ball began exhibiting in 1877 when a small etching was accepted for a Royal Academy exhibition, and with this imptus he decided dedicate himself to becoming a full-time artist. He gained his first substantive notice for a number of etchings of the Thames River, completed in 1882, leading to two more etching series of the Isis River and the town of Stratford-on-Avon. In 1900, one of his etchings was awarded a bronze medal at the Paris Exhibition.

Location

Leiden, Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands