This beautiful mid-19th-century watercolour by English artist James Whaite RCA (1836-1917) depicts various figures working in a field amid the radiant haze of Summer.
With a gentle, high-key palette, he’s captured the view sublimely. Each figure is given weight, delicately rendered and realistically portrayed. Whaite was an accomplished draughtsman and his success was underpinned predominantly by his drawing ability.
Hailing from Manchester, he spent many decades in Lancashire before moving to Conway, Wales and this view may be Lancastrian. It was produced a year before his debut at the Royal Academy.
Signed/dated lower left and held within a gilt frame.
Medium: Watercolour on paper
Overall size: 31” x 22½” / 79cm x 57cm
Year of creation: 1869
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £1,350
British artist James Whaite RCA is predominantly known for his landscapes in watercolour. He spent his formative years in Manchester before enrolling at the Royal College of Art. He exhibited prolifically, particularly in Lancashire, and he’s represented at the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum.
Learn more about James Whaite RCA in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work.
