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Lot 97
EDWARD ROBERT HUGHES, R.W.S. (BRITISH, 1851-1914)
Portrait of Thomas Webb, holding a black hat; and Portrait of Elizabeth Webb, holding a vase of flowers
Fermé15 July 2022
Estimation
GBP 10,000–15,000
Plus d'informations
Note du spécialiste
Although Edward Robert Hughes is known mostly for his romantic, somewhat fantastical watercolours such as Night with her Train of Stars, 1912 (Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery), in his early career Hughes appears to have had a thriving portrait practice. Of his sixteen Royal Academy exhibits, the fourteen between 1879 and 1898 were all portraits.
These portraits, with their intricate detailing, clearly show the influence of Pre-Raphaelite portraiture and the impact of artists such as Frederick Sandys, and William Holman Hunt. Hughes was studio assistant to Hunt from 1899 due to the older artist's deteriorating eyesight.
Although little is known about the sitters, Thomas and Elizabeth Webb, Hughes has captured a sense of their personalities and in his portrait of Elizabeth, in particular, he has added props such as the blue and white vase of flowers and the yellow neckerchief which allow us an insight into her character.
These portraits, with their intricate detailing, clearly show the influence of Pre-Raphaelite portraiture and the impact of artists such as Frederick Sandys, and William Holman Hunt. Hughes was studio assistant to Hunt from 1899 due to the older artist's deteriorating eyesight.
Although little is known about the sitters, Thomas and Elizabeth Webb, Hughes has captured a sense of their personalities and in his portrait of Elizabeth, in particular, he has added props such as the blue and white vase of flowers and the yellow neckerchief which allow us an insight into her character.