Axmouth Harbour, Devon, low water

Details

Edward William Cooke, R.A. (1811-1880)
Axmouth Harbour, Devon, low water
with strengthened signature and date 'E.W. COOKE. ARA. 1861.' (lower right) and further inscribed 'No 1. AXMOUTH HARBOUR/ DEVON LOW WATER/. E.W. COOKE. ARA. The Ferns/ Hyde Park Gate, SOUTH KENSINGTON.' (on the artist's label on the reverse)
oil on canvas
26 ¼ x 42 ¼ in. (66.6 x 107.3 cm.)

Provenance

James Coulson Esq.
R.N. James, 1873 (sold £330.15 to Albert Grant).
Baron Albert Grant; Christie's, 27-28 April 1877, lot 156 (sold £346.10.0 to Broadhead).
R. Worthington Esq., O.B.E., F.R.C.S.
Anonymous sale; Christie's, London, 6 June 1980, lot 253.
with David Carritt Ltd., London.

Literature

J. Munday, E.W. Cooke (1811-1880), R.A., A man of his Time, Suffolk, 1996, p. 303, pl. 245 & p. 319, no. 58/17 as 'Axmouth Ferry: Axmouth Harbour Devon, low water'.

Special notice

VAT rate of 20% is payable on hammer price and buyer's premium

Lot Essay

This charming topographical view of Axmouth Harbour at low-tide was painted whilst Edward William Cooke was staying nearby in August 1858. Cooke's diary entry for 20 August reads '...Set palette & went after dinner to Axmouth Ferry - began new picture on large canvas. Mama came & she sent tea. Miss Davis, Mrs Smith came to see me. I & Geo walked to White Cliff with them by moonlight.' The beautiful harbour setting, which has changed little to this day, obviously inspired Cooke whose diary that month lists numerous paintings begun in Axmouth.

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