Henry Dawson (1811-1878)

Autumnal Evening on the Banks of the River Trent, Wilford Nr Nottingham

This stunning, large British mid 19th century exhibited river Trent landscape oil painting by noted artist Henry Dawson was described as 'one of the Principle Pictures of 1858' in The Life of Henry Dawson by Alfred Dawson. It was painted in 1858 and is signed and dated with an inscription as the title on the reverse. It was exhibited at the British Institute the same year.  The artist regularly visited Nottingham where he had family connections. He is recorded for instance as travelling to Nottingham in October 1858. The river Trent at Nottingham was a favourite subject of Dawson's and one which he returned to on many of his visits to Nottingham. His friend and fellow artist William Henry Knight wrote that Dawson had reached a level in painting that will place him 'immensely above any living landscape painter'. After mentioning the impiety of going beyond Turner he continued: 'One thing I will venture to affirm...is that Turner has never painted so luminous a sun as yours.'
Indeed, Autumnal Evening on the Banks of the Trent, Wilford near Nottingham depicts the river to the right and the bank to the left with cows watering in the evening sun with trees further down stream. The river has the most beautiful reflections of the descending sun. The colours in the sky and water are just stunning as is the brushwork and details. This large and impressive British Victorian exhibited river landscape oil painting has excellent provenance including exhibition history, previous owner and literature citation and is an excellent example of Dawson's work.

Signed and dated 1858, and with inscription as title on the reverse and further inscription 'H Dawson No.1'

Unframed.

Provenance British Institution, 1859 no.36. Nottingham University Art Gallery, Henry Dawson (1811-1878) Centenary Exhibition. no. 49.
                        Collection of Horace Woodward, Esq. Howes Gallery, Brighton. Edward C.Wigg, Esq. Loxwood Place, Loxwood. Sussex. Thence to the present vendor.

Literature: The Life of Henry Dawson, Landscape Painter 1811-1878, by Alfred Dawson, Seeley & Co. London 1891. p 72 where listed as ' one of the Principal Pictures of 1858'

Click the link below for this painting
https://www.richardtaylorfineart.com/gallery/new/dawson/autumnal-evening-on-the-banks-of-the-river-trent-wilford-nr-nottingham