FDA-D.1779-2025
Parts
Object number
FDA-D.1779-2025
Object type
Identification
Title
Hen and Cock Pheasants
Title Type
assigned by cataloguer
Description
Still life with two birds lying on their backs on a wooden table; feather in foreground
Comments
The first work exhibited by Nora Davison was titled A Still Life (1875, Royal Birmingham Society of Artists). She painted further examples of still life and flower paintings before her move to Eton, but the date of this watercolour is unknown. Here, Davison demonstrates her skill for capturing detail with just a few strokes of the brush, particularly in the depiction of the single, dislodged feather in the foreground.
Davison was often commended for her skilful use of colour, here employing a rich palette of autumnal tones.
Davison was often commended for her skilful use of colour, here employing a rich palette of autumnal tones.
Description
Dimensions
height (actual size): 110mm
width (actual size): 168mm
width (actual size): 168mm
Inscription
Signed in watercolour, lower left: 'NORA DAVISON'
Material
watercolour
Materials & techniques note
Pencil and watercolour on paper
Production
Person
Davison, Nora, 1855 - 1950 (Artist)
Date
c.1882-1900
History and association
Object history note
Provenance: Sold through Arthur Johnson, Nottingham, auctioneers, on 4 January 2025 (Lot 388);; sold through Oil Drum Lane Gallery; from which sale purchased by Eton College in April 2025
Exhibited: ‘A Woman’s View: Nora Davison’s watercolours of Eton’, Verey Gallery, Eton College, 23 May to 28 September 2025 (catalogue number 1)
Exhibited: ‘A Woman’s View: Nora Davison’s watercolours of Eton’, Verey Gallery, Eton College, 23 May to 28 September 2025 (catalogue number 1)
