Edward Steel Harper (1878-1951)
| Artist Name | Edward Steel Harper (1878-1951) |
|---|---|
| Title | Life Kindled of a Fiery Birth |
| Description | This superb 1913 late Pre-Raphaelite spring landscape oil painting is by noted Birmingham artist Edward Steel Harper Junior. The title, Life Kindled from a Fiery Birth is from Swinburne's epic poem `Tristram of Lyonesse` (1882), see more details below biography. The hilly landscape is covered in vibrant yellow flowering gorse bushes that indeed appear like fire. There is also the blue of spring bluebells and trees coming into leaf in the background. Harper's landscapes in oil show his experimentation with the ‘wet white’ technique, a method used by the Pre-Raphaelite artists where white flake is spread with a palette knife onto canvas and colour then applied with sable brushes. This stunning painting is housed in a hand made brass or copper Arts and Crafts frame, which Harper would have made himself at the Birmingham School of Art. An altogether fantastic example of Harper's work. Signed with characteristic ES [harp] ER, in part to distinguish himself from his father, who shared the same initials, and dated 1913. Signed and inscribed upon a partially fragmented label on the backboard. |
| Provenance | Somerset estate. |
| Medium | Oil on Canvas |
| Size | 30 x 24 inches |
| Frame | Housed a repousse brass or copper Arts & Crafts frame, probably designed and made at the Birmingham School of Art, 43 inches by 35 inches and in good condition. |
| Condition | Good condition. |
| Biography | Edward Steel Harper Jnr (1878-1951). Landscape and portrait painter from Harbourne, Birmingham. Son of Edward Steel Harper Snr who was Director of the Life Academy, Municipal School of Art, Birmingham 1880-1919. Art master at Wolverhampton Grammar School and exhibited between 1920-37. Exhibited: Royal Society of Artists, Birmingham 26, lnternational Society 2, Royal Academy 2, Royal Institute of Oil Painters 2. |
| Price | £8000 |
