This late 19th-century still life depicts four plums nestled alongside a mossy bank. It’s influenced by the works of British artist William Henry Hunt (1790-1864). 

Celebrating nature’s bounty became a popular endeavour for watercolour artists of the mid to late 19th century, with many inspired by Hunt’s precise and pioneering style. 

Hunt contributed to the elevation of watercolour painting as a medium as well as being influential in securing the rising respect and popularity for still life painting in general. His work saw him greatly celebrated in his time, and Hunt became a forerunner to several enduring styles in art history, such as impressionism and the Pre-Raphaelites.

His renderings of hedgerow plants and lush fruit were instilled with his strong use of colour, as described by The Art Journal, ‘Colour as brilliant as the pigments employed could render them’. Instead of applying his colours with a wash of water, he formulated a process which saw him lay down a white base of gouache, atop of which he would add a layer of pure, coloured pigment. ‘Colour over colour,’ the artist would say. The effect was to create a glorious pigmentation not yet seen in watercolour. Fruit appears so fresh, one feels compelled to reach out and take a bite. It’s no wonder that his admirers worked so diligently in his style.

Signed ‘W. Hunt’ in the lower left and housed in a later frame.

Learn more about William Henry Hunt in our directory.

Medium: Watercolour on paper
Overall size: 19” x 15½” / 48cm x 39cm
Year of creation: c. 1860
Labels & Inscriptions: Label with attribution on reverse.
Provenance: Private collection, UK.
Exhibited: City, Place, Exhibition, Date, no. 72.
Condition: Artwork presentable with no issues. Frame in good condition with minor age-related wear. 
Our reference: BRV2008