This is a very fine and much sought after original etching and drypoint by the celebrated Scottish artist, Sir David Wilkie (1785 - 1841).
Sir David Wilkie was born at Cults, Fife in Scotland. He trained in Edinburgh at the Trustees Academy and then in 1805 moved to London, where he studied briefly at the Royal Academy Schools.
Wilkie was best known for his genre scenes, historical scenes, portraits and scenes from his travels to the Continent and the Middle East. He was based in London where he was appointed Principal Painter in Ordinary to King William IV and Queen Victoria. He died suddenly on a sketching trip to the Holy Lands and was buried at sea off Gibraltar.
His painting are in the best collections - including the National Gallery of Scotland, the Tate, London and in the Royal Collection.
During his life Wilkie also made a small series of only 13 etchings (all between 1819 and 1824)- these are all executed with meticulous attention to detail and often rely on Rembrandt for inspiration.
This work is done mainly in drypoint etching - it is a fine,, crisp impression with rich velvety black lines of drypoint giving dark hazy tones. All the details are delineated with such fine lines. These original works by Wilke do not come up very often for sale - many are in print rooms of public collections worldwide. I have two copies of this work - which is entitled "The Lost Receipt". I have owned them a number of years - and they come from my own personal collection.
The Lost Receipt is perhaps one of his finest etched works - it is a timeless subject - a couple frantically search through a drawer looking for a receipt - they can't find it and you can see the look of panic on their faces. Everything in the room seems to be in disarray. The gentleman behind the couple looks fed up waiting for them to finish searching - and now rests on the back of the chair - he has taken off his hat and has a nonchalant air. Love the addition of the little dog in the bottom left-hand corner - he is oblivious to all the fuss - and scratches lazily at his ear (a wee inclusion as a homage to Rembrandt). A very fine image and in excellent antique condition.
It is beautifully presented with a new clean mount and simple wooden frame (I have another on offer in my shop with a more elaborate frame). There is nothing to do to this beautiful work - it is ready to hang straight on your wall.
This one has a frame measuring 39 x 34.5 cm. The image size is 11 x 13 cm (Wilke's etchings were always of a small size).
Please note: The price quoted here is from the artwork only.
The frame comes free with this artwork. Any damage in transit to the frame / mount / picture glass will not be subject to any refunds, discounts or re-framing costs from us.
Weight unpacked is 1.3 kg