TWO GIRLS SEATED BY TULIPS AND OVERLOOKING A LILY POND

oil on canvas

30.25 x 25.25 in. (76.8 x 64.1 cm)

Price Realized:

12870.00 CAD.

INCLUDES BUYER’S PREMIUM

Notes:

signed “E A Hornel” & dated lower right
Provenance: Private collection, Calgary AB. This painting was acquired in Glasgow, Scotland, by Alexander Macindoe (former head of the Glasgow Stock Exchange). Over the years, the painting travelled internationally with the family and was acquired by descent, passing to the current consignor from her grandmother.

Edward Atkinson Hornel was born in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia, to Scottish parents. in 1866 the Hornels moved back to Scotland (Kirkcudbright) where Edward spent his childhood. He studied art at the Trustees Academy School of Art in Edinburgh from 1881-1883, continuing his training for two years in Antwerp. Hornel’s early works show the strong influence of the Belgian School.

What followed was a ten year association with fellow artist George Henry, strongly influencing the Glasgow School in the direction of richer, more decorative colour. Hornel was deeply influenced by Japanese art, travelling to Japan in 1893-4. Here, he learned much about decorative design and spacing; his colour became progressively more refined and atmospheric. Hornel deftly employed textural effects in his work, using techniques that including loading and scraping paint, roughening and smoothing surfaces, and staining. This accomplished piece exemplifies the stylistic elements and technique for which Hornel is best known; the young girls and flowers blend into the woodland scene, in a naturalistic and lyrical symbiosis.

Edward Atkinson Hornel was a member of the Glasgow Art Club, and associate of the Glasgow Boys. He was elected to the Royal Scottish Academy but declined the honour.