The river near Hawthornden, Devon

Details

John White Abbott (1763-1851)
The river near Hawthornden, Devon
with inscription 'Near Hawthornden/J White Abbott June 20 1791' (on the reverse of the backing transcribed from the original inscription)
pen and brown and grey ink and watercolour, on five joined sheets
19½ x 16 in. (49.5 x 40.6 cm.)

Provenance

with Spink-Leger, London, 1997.

Special notice

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Sale room notice

Please note this is a view of Hawthornden, Midlothian and not as stated in the catalogue.

Lot Essay

Abbott was born in Exeter and his finest works depict his native Devonshire. As a pupil of Towne he completely mastered the technique of the delicate pen outline and in his large drawings he exploits the contrast between loose, flat washes and delicate tracery. Finding large sheets difficult to manipulate outdoors, Abbott preferred to piece together several small sheets, and the present watercolour is executed on five joined pieces.

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