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Lot Essay
Although traditionally identified as Cromer Sands in Norfolk, recent research suggests that this picture is in fact Morning - Boulogne, Collins's Royal Academy exhibit of 1844. The picture drew acclaim from reviewers for its realistic depiction of the shoreline 'Nor would we overlook no. 111, albeit the clouds are somewhat painty, for the wet sands and the shallow water have a natural and pleasant appearance.' (The Times). The costume of the fisherfolk and the baskets they carry bear a strong resemblance to those in Les Causeuses, 1830 (Victoria & Albert Museum, London), which is certainly set in Boulogne.
Collins kept an account of the pictures he sold, and these records reveal that Cromer Sands, painted between 1843-1844 was only 15 x 21 in. and was sold to Mr Weathered for £50, whereas a much larger picture A scene of Boulogne fetched three times that amount when sold to the dealer Hogarth for £150 in 1844. There is still at least one part of the jigsaw that remains a mystery - how the title of the picture was lost between 1844 and the time it found its way into the collection of Sir William Ogilvy-Dalgliesh by the end of the 19th century.
We are grateful to Alan Bean for his assistance in preparing this catalogue entry.
Collins kept an account of the pictures he sold, and these records reveal that Cromer Sands, painted between 1843-1844 was only 15 x 21 in. and was sold to Mr Weathered for £50, whereas a much larger picture A scene of Boulogne fetched three times that amount when sold to the dealer Hogarth for £150 in 1844. There is still at least one part of the jigsaw that remains a mystery - how the title of the picture was lost between 1844 and the time it found its way into the collection of Sir William Ogilvy-Dalgliesh by the end of the 19th century.
We are grateful to Alan Bean for his assistance in preparing this catalogue entry.