When winter's wasteful spite was almost spent

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GBP 15,000 - GBP 25,000

Closed: 14 Jul 2022

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JOHN WILLIAM NORTH, A.R.A. (1842-1924)

When winter's wasteful spite was almost spent

Closed: 14 Jul 2022

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JOHN WILLIAM NORTH, A.R.A. (1842-1924)
When winter's wasteful spite was almost spent
signed with initials and dated '1892./ J.W.N./ R.W.S.' (lower left)
oil on canvas
27 x 40 in. (68.6 x 101.6 cm.)

William Connal; Christie's, London, 14 March 1908, lot 68 (50 gns to Agnew's).
with Agnew's, Manchester, no. 2443, from whom purchased by
Robert Younger, K.C., 16 March 1908.
William Robinson, Derby, by 1928.
with Peter Nahum, London, where purchased for the present collection.

Athenaeum, no. 3370, 28 May 1892, p. 701.

London, New Gallery, 1892, no. 136.
Glasgow, Glasgow Institute, 1896, number untraced.
London, Royal Academy, Exhibition of works by late members of Royal Academy and the Iveagh Bequest of works by Old Masters, (Kenwood Collection), Winter 1928, no. 332, lent by William Robinson.

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Lot Essay

John William North was one of the most original watercolourists of the late Victorian era. North’s style is highly personal, characterised by an intensely poetic response to the countryside, using a feathery delicacy of form to create an illusion of detail, rather than detail itself. He was elected an associate of the Old Watercolour Society in 1871 and a full member in 1883. Ten years later he became an associate of the Royal Academy.

As North is best known for his watercolours this present work, being an oil on canvas, is particularly unusual. Oil paint does not fade as easily as watercolour - perhaps North was trying a technique that would ensure his work would have a greater longevity.

The wispy branches of the trees, having been stripped from their leaves in winter are set in front of a background that promises light, sun and the new season of spring; winter’s wasteful spite is almost spent. Spring brings with it new life, warmth and hope.