This late 19th-century watercolour by Scottish artist George H Hay RSA (1831-1912) depicts four young ladies, wearing outfits synonymous with the 1820s, spinning wool within a simple interior.
George H Hay RSA was a figure painter predominantly known for domestic genre scenes and historical works. Hailing from Leith, Edinburgh, his delicately rendered narratives were delivered with wit, care and sensitivity.
Following his training under Robert Scott Lauder, his early works tended to describe passing moments from bygone centuries. In 1864, at the Royal Scottish Academy, he exhibited ‘Barber's Shop in the Time of Elizabeth’, which was conveyed with careful attention to the outfits. The influence of his master was evident.
However, these historical works were met with mixed reviews with some referring to them as ‘hybrid-historical’ or ‘costume paintings’. The press were enamoured by his level of detail, yet confused by the topics. So by the end of the 1860s, he turned his hand to something more tangible - scenes from novels by Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832). One example, ‘Ritchie Moniplies in Fleet Street’, taken from Scott’s ‘The Fortunes of Nigel’, gained public recognition.
As the decades passed, middle-class buyers began seeking art which conveyed relatable subject matter and this led to a rise in domestic pieces - everyday snapshots within ordinary homes. Hay embraced this new demand, depicting numerous themes of a tender nature, such as young ladies undertaking handicrafts, as we see here, and couples with marital dilemmas. These were met with broad appeal with one critic praising his “pose of the figures” and how the character of each subject was “well brought out.”
Over the course of 57 years, George H Hay exhibited 132 works at the Royal Scottish Academy where he was elected a member and later its secretary. An accomplished draughtsman with a warm sense of humour.
Signed lower right and held within a gilt frame. Glazed.
Learn more about George H Hay RSA in our directory.
Medium: Watercolour on paper
Overall size: 31½” x 26” / 80cm x 66cm
Year of creation: c. 1890
Labels & Inscriptions: Framer’s label on reverse.
Provenance: Private collection, England.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator.
Artist’s auction maximum: £6,300
Our reference: BRV1800
