Sir DAVID WILKIE, R.A.
(1785-1841)

 

The Clubbists

c.1806

watercolour and graphite and ink on board

22.7 x 17.5 cm

inscribed: D.Wilkie and indecipherable date

P.259

Wilkie's picture of The Clubbists was painted as an illustration for the first volume of Leigh Hunt’s Classic Tales, published from 1806‑7. Wilkie probably began his picture late in 1806, certainly before 1 January 1807, because on that date Anker Smith's engraving was published. 

This is a characteristic Wilkie subject, deriving from 17^th century Dutch and Flemish examples, notably Adriaen van Ostafe (1610-84) and more especially, David Teniers the Younger (1610-90), who had a seminal influence on Wilkie, particularly earlier in his career.

EJ

PROVENANCE: P&D Colnaghi Ltd, from whom purchased by Gallery, October 1958.

Copyright © Trustees of Cecil Higgins Art Gallery, Bedford.

Extract taken from Watercolours and Drawings, Cecil Higgins Art Gallery by Evelyn Joll.