William Walter Wheatley (1811-1885) - Watercolour Village by the Ruins

Description

A charming watercolour depicting a village by a river. A ruined castle is perched on the hill in the distance, sheltering a flock of grazing sheep on the hillside. Cattle and figures walk along the street in the foreground. Presented glazed in a white wash line mount and a gilt frame with ornate foliate moulding a the corners. Signed with initials to the lower-right corner. On wove.

Condition

The condition is typical for a picture of this age including some mild foxing. There is some cockling to the substrate. There are some mild chips and scuffs to the frame. Overall well-presented and in very good condition.

Size

26.5 x 37.3cm (10.4" x 14.7")
Framed Size: 48 x 59.3cm (18.9" x 23.3")

Artist Biography

William Walter Wheatley (1811-1885) was a topographer, draughtsman, and watercolourist. He was born in Bristol and lived in Frome, Rode, and in Bath from 1852. He painted village scenes, country houses, and old inns of Somerset and produced over 1500 views of churches and aspects of their interior for the Rev. J.S.H. Horner of Mells, some of which are in the collection of the Society of Antiquaries in London. G.W. Braikenridge of Brislington employed Wheatley to illustrate Collinsons's 'History of Somerset'; the artwork was bequeathed to the Somerset Archaeological Natural History Society and is now held at the Somerset Study Library in Taunton.