Henry John Stock (1853-1930)

Stock is a relatively unknown but highly individual artist who was an exponent of the English Romantic tradition. He enjoyed success as a society portrait painter, but his main area of interest was always imaginative subjects. This interest was almost certainly ignited as a result of his going blind as a child. His eyesight was miraculously restored after being sent to live at Beaulieu, Hampshire.
The influence of William Blake is apparent throughout Stock's œuvre. His identification with the earlier visionary must have been cemented by the fact that both artists moved from Soho to Felpham. Certainly, Stock's use of watercolour for literary paintings, which would more usually have been rendered in oil, owes much to the example of Blake.
The present lot depicts the youthful Angel of Hope standing triumphant atop Time with his scythe, set in a rocky landscape. The Angel of Hope’s arms are outstretched, reaching heavenwards, with his feathers naturalistically rendered in soft pink and white hues.