Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick by James Baker Pyne 1800-1871 |
Research Marjorie Gregson
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Acc No 259
Artist James Baker Pyne Artist dates 1800-1870 Medium coloured print Size size not known Date produced unknown Donor unknown acquisition method Date donated unknown |
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ARTIST
James Baker Pyne was born on 5 December 1800 in Bristol and became a landscape painter and watercolourist. Articled to a legal attorney, he taught himself painting and was a local artist up to the age of 35. He was an early follower of Francis Danby. In 1835 he moved to London and exhibited his work at the Royal Academy from 1836-55, at the British Institute from 1828-63 and at the Society of British Artists between 1833-70, where he was elected Member in 1842 and later became Vice-President. His subjects were principally landscapes, particularly river and lake scenes. After 1835 he travelled to Switzerland, Italy and Germany gathering material to work up into finished pictures. He often painted in the Lake District, having been commissioned by Thomas Agnew and Son; the Lake District was a source of inspiration throughout his life. He painted a large series of oils depicting local people engaged in activities such as boating, fishing, ice-skating and walking, adding “ a hint of picturesque detail of rural life”. Pyne was influenced by the works of Turner; his dramatic effects and use of pale yellow tones distinctly reflect Turner’s influence. A methodical artist he numbered, as well as dated, all his oil paintings. He died on 29 July 1870 in London. His studio sale was held at Christie’s on 25 February 1871. Works in public collections: Baroda, Birmingham, Blackburn, Bristol, Cardiff, Leicester, Liverpool, Tate Gallery and V&A Museum London, Manchester, Melbourne, Sheffield and Sydney. |
