The Downs

Photogravure after the watercolour by W. L. Wyllie A.R.A. Published as part of The Tidal Thames, by Cassell & Co. Ltd. 1884.

Plate size: 13 1/4” x 10 1/4”. Mounted: approx. 20 1/2” x 16”

Condition: Excellent. A fine impression on India paper.

In the previous year William Wyllie (1851-1930) had exhibited a significant painting at the R.A. entitled, Toil, Glitter, Grime and Wealth on a Flowing Tide. The painting and the body of work that followed it, especially his etchings, embodied the spirit of his Thames views. This early commission, in the new medium of photogravure, reproduced his original watercolours with both subtlety and contrast. His deft observational skills, honed by his experience as an illustrator, were further enhanced by his practice of drawing from life, aboard a barge on this mighty working river.

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