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Lot Essay
The Cross Roads depicts a junction at Haddiscoe on the Reedham to Beccles road. The composition is punctuated by St Mary's Church, which sits on an area of higher ground. The Church is seen in many of Arnesby Brown's Haddiscoe landscapes and with its distinctive Saxon round tower is a landmark for miles around.
There is a preparatory drawing for The Cross Roads in Norwich Castle Museum. This study offers a fascinating insight into the artist's technique and shows the care and precision that has been taken in mapping out what appear to be spontaneous flourishes in the finished painting.
The picture is sold with a collection of autographed letters from the artist to Mr W. Baxter, the picture's first owner who lived in New Zealand. The letters relate to Mr Baxter's purchase of the picture prior to the Royal Academy exhibition in 1926 and includes a receipt for £250. Arnesby Brown writes encouragingly about the praise that The Cross Roads has received and includes a review (not included) from The Times. He goes on to say that 'I do not think I have received so many congratulations on my work as I have this year'.
There is a preparatory drawing for The Cross Roads in Norwich Castle Museum. This study offers a fascinating insight into the artist's technique and shows the care and precision that has been taken in mapping out what appear to be spontaneous flourishes in the finished painting.
The picture is sold with a collection of autographed letters from the artist to Mr W. Baxter, the picture's first owner who lived in New Zealand. The letters relate to Mr Baxter's purchase of the picture prior to the Royal Academy exhibition in 1926 and includes a receipt for £250. Arnesby Brown writes encouragingly about the praise that The Cross Roads has received and includes a review (not included) from The Times. He goes on to say that 'I do not think I have received so many congratulations on my work as I have this year'.