FDA-D.249-2010
Parts
Object number
FDA-D.249-2010
Object type
Identification
Title
On the Grand Canal, Venice
Pilkington
Pilkington
Title Type
assigned by cataloguer
collection
collection
Comments
Birket Foster began his career as a wood-engraver and rapidly established himself as an illustrator of decorative pastoral scenes, with a range that embraced both expensive gift-books and more popular magazines. In 1860 he succeeded in gaining election to the Society of Painters in Watercolours and turned his back on reproductive work to concentrate on painting. Following his first journey to the Rhineland in 1852, Foster travelled on the Continent almost every year, though he did not reach Venice for the first time until 1868. In 1874, he received the substantial commission to make 50 watercolours of scenes on Venice for Charles Seely, MP for Lincoln. The works were delivered in 1877 and were executed in Foster's most highly finished manner, densely textured and full of figures. Apart from these watercolours, he exhibited Venetian views only occasionally. This view of the Grand Canal, with its refreshing lightness of touch, may perhaps be one of the works sent to the Watercolour Society's Winter Exhibition, which was reserved primarily for sketches, in 1869 or 1878.
Other number
Pi 74
Description
Dimensions
height (actual size): 171mm
width (actual size): 244mm
width (actual size): 244mm
Inscription
Signed with monogram 'BF' (lower right)
Materials & techniques note
Pencil and watercolour heightened with white
Production
Person
Foster, Myles Birket, 1825 - 1899 (Artist)
Date
Early 20th century
History and association
Object history note
Provenance: Alan Pilkington, bequeathed 1973.
Exhibited: A Genius for Watercolour, Christie’s 2003, no. 59.
Exhibited: A Genius for Watercolour, Christie’s 2003, no. 59.
