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WILLIAM EDWARD NORTON (AMERICAN, 1843-1916) BARBIZON PAINTING OF SHEEP AT PASTURE
Signed lower left William E Norton, executed in oil on canvas; ex. collection Berry Hill Galleries, Inc.
Item # 709PYS29Q
A fine dreamy scene of sheep scattered across a gentle slope before a tumbling brook that meanders into the thicket of trees and bushes beyond, the painting shows a depth of color and chaotic pigment treatment throughout the foliage. In replication of nature, where no one color dominates and a kaleidoscope of hues make up any single element, Norton does a marvelous job of capturing mood of the moment and realism of the season together. His sheep are finely rendered and despite their tiny footprint in the overall scheme of the work, they define the setting and show marvelous shadowing and variation. The gray sky is a perfect saturation to match the low-chroma hues throughout the landscape, setting a slightly heavy mood to the scene. It is signed lower left William E Norton in black pigment.
Born in Boston in 1843, William Edward Norton began drawing at a young age before attending the Lowell Institute in Boston where he was a pupil of the renowned American painter George Inness. He went on to Harvard Medical School where he supported himself by painting houses and drawing signs. He is best known for his marine paintings, dramatic scenes of ships at sea and life along the ports; eventually he opened a studio in Boston for his work. A lifelong traveler and seeker of adventure, Norton documented portions of his life and adventures in a diary circa 1870 with an emphasis on his travels through the Adirondacks. He presented his work at the Royal Academy in London, studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris under Chevreuse and A. Vollon and in 1895 received honourable mention at Salon in Paris. His work won three gold medals in the United States as well as many other distinctions. Eventually he settled in New York City where he lived until his death in 1916.
Measurements: 27 5/8” W x 1 1/2” D x 22 1/4” H [frame]; 25” W x 20” H [canvas]
Condition Report:
Light surface grime, would be more vibrant if eventually cleaned. Old frame with gilt and gesso losses and associated wear. Professionally conserved and relined in the last twenty years; with touch ups visible under UV around the edges where the frame rubs, some scattered touchups throughout the landscape.