Artist: William Collins (1788 - 1847), English painter, member of the Royal Academy. Works widely offered, selling at auction houses in the $3000-$12,000 ranges, as just attributed works. This superior work by William Collins is signed (not on front) and is well framed in a period English frame, notation on backside also indicate artist. The painting, style, theme and execution are absolutely by this well-exhibited 19th century artist. "William Collins RA (8 September 1788 in London â 17 February 1847 in London) was an English landscape and genre painter. In the late 19th century his work was more popular and highly valued than even that of J M W Turner or John Constable Noted on back: "Country Woods, Collins", and signature "Collins, R. A. (Royal Academy). "Collins exhibited at the Royal Academy every year from 1807-46 (a total of 124 pictures), and showed 45 pictures at the British Institution. His major works are listed in Volume 2 (pp. 341-52) of "Memoirs". Today his works are included in the collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum and Tate Britain in London and other regional centres. Oil on panel, framed in early 1800s original frame made for the painting, the outer measurement is an intimate 9.25" x 7.25". The frame is 17" x 15" and 2.5" in depth, heavy wood with a generous gesso/plaster appliqué which has remained very well intact, few losses. The painting you see is quite typical of this artist's work and subject, and represents a fine investment painting that is sure to become a favorite. The demure size draws you in close to enjoy the splendid detail of Collins' subject, tenderness and remarkably adept brush. The charming portrait of an early 1800s English childhood, the boys play at getting their small sailboat to set off in the tide pools of a low-tide seaside somewhere in England. What could be more endearing in subject, composition and execution.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Painted on panel, there are no holes nor tears, no canvas to soften and need re-stretching. The painting is quite beautifully preserved and the colors rich and original to my eye, to the pieces of his I've studied in museums. The outer frame shows age, but is also well preserved. A very light loss or two, not much. We don't have the exact date this one was painted, but based on his works, It seems likely to have been around 1820-30.
