William Somerville Shanks (1864-1951)

Anemones

This gorgeous Scottish thirties Impressionist floral oil painting is by noted Scottish artist William Somerville Shanks. Painted in 1937 the composition is of a bunch of pink, white and red anemones, casually lying on the paper they were wrapped in on a beautiful chair.  An umbrella rests against the chair to the right, gloves are also lying on the paper and a patterned scarf lies draped over the chair.  Rather than a static arrangement in a vase, we are seeing a story unfold, or the suggestion of one, such as someone has been out in the rain, bought these beautiful flowers and is probably looking for a vase to arrange them in while we, the viewer, enjoy them. The brushwork and impasto are superb as is the depiction of the contrast in textures. A lovely Scottish floral and an excellent example of Shank's work.

Signed lower left. 

Provenance. Exhibited at the Royal Glasgow Institute in 1937 no 88 entitle Anemones.
                     Label verso with artist details and title.
                     Bourlet label verso.

Click below for link to this painting
https://www.richardtaylorfineart.com/gallery/new/william-somerville-shanks/anemones-1