13th Nov, 2021 9:30 GMT/BST

British, European & Sporting Art

 
  Lot 1007
 

1007

Ferdinand Becker (active 1793-1825)
"Elterwater near Langdale Pikes'"(c.1790)
Inscribed in ink, pencil, ink and watercolour, together with two further examples by the same hand to include "Near Low Wood Inn, Windermere" and "Windermere", 18.5cm by 28cm (3)

Private Collection, UK

External appraisal and further research has now firmly identified these atmospheric early views of The Lakes as by the artist Ferdinand Becker, a drawing-master based in Bath. Though detailed information on this historically interesting figure is scarce, modern scholarship now considers it likely that he is also the author of works historically ascribed to an 'Edmund Becker' - a confusion perhaps resulting from an early misreading of Ferdinand Becker's signature or other such recording error. It is known that Ferdinand Becker visited Cumbria in or around 1795 - and that related drawings (possibly including the works offered here) were displayed in an exhibition of his work in Bath in 1796.

For further information on Becker and his part in early artistic responses to the Lake District and it's scenery see Cecilia Powell and Stephen Hebron, Savage Grandeur and Noblest Thoughts: Discovering the Lake District 1750-1820, (Wordsworth Trust: 2010), pp. 77-79,143,175. The Tate Gallery holds other examples of Becker's work which can be seen online at
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/ferdinand-becker-2557

Sold for £450
Estimated at £400 - £600


 

Elter Water near Langdale Pike - Some general staining throughout sheet. Colour depth appears broadly good although executed in the artist's characteristic subtle palette and overall impression possibly slightly muted by the impact of time staining. Small amount of tiny-sized dark spots in the sky and elsewhere which may even be ink splashes. Subtle slight cockle to lower edge, not examined out of the frame.

Windermere - In a comparable condition to the former accepting a diagonal crease to the upper right-hand corner and vertical discoloured line running approximately 0.5cm from the far edge which suggests residual adessive to reverse and/or evidence of some evidence of discoloured restoration. One or two tiny foxing spots. No real evidence of cockling. Not examined out of the frame.

Near Low Wood - In broadly comparable condition to the first, time staining slightly more evident towards the outer edges next to mount. NO evidence of cockling. Not examined out of the frame.

 


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Auction: British, European & Sporting Art, 13th Nov, 2021

Traditional Picture Sales offer a wide range of oil paintings, watercolours, drawings and prints from the 15th to the early 20th centuries.  

 

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