Robert Anning Bell, R.A. (1863-1933)

The present watercolour, dating from 1910, is similar in composition and palette to Learning to Walk (see J. Christian (ed.), The Last Romantics, exhibition catalogue, London, 1989, p. 156, no. 244). It is executed in Bells’ 'Florentine Style’ which he adopted around this date in other works such as his Royal Academy diploma submission The Women Going to the Sepulchre (1912). The lack of depth to the scene also shows Bell’s interest in low relief sculpture and frescoes. His interest in Italian art was amplified by his extended travels in Italy.