Description
Signed and dated 1908, watercolour
Dimensions
22cm x 18cm (8.75in x 7in)
Footnote
Provenance:The Fine Art Society Ltd, London November 1967
Literature:Thomas a Kempis, The Imitation of Christ
Note:
One of the most celebrated British watercolourists of the 20th century, Sir William Russell Flint is known for his remarkable technical skill and precision. Born in Edinburgh in 1880, Flint was first introduced to painting by his father before developing his skills at Banks and Co. Printers where he enrolled in a six year apprenticeship as a lithographic draughtsman.
Although he is known for his watercolours he also painted in oil and tempera, and produced etchings. Flint was a member of the Royal Academy, and served as president of the Royal Watercolour Society for twenty years from 1936. He was further recognised in 1947, with a knighthood for his services to art, and later a solo exhibition at the Royal Academy.
Painting in several countries including France, Italy, Switzerland and Scotland, Flint was captivated by the distinctive and unique character of the distant lands. However, his foremost fascination was the female form. This manifested in a wide range of depictions; spanning from flamenco dancers to his picturesque gypsies and languorous nudes.
Today his work is exhibited in numerous institutions around the world including the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Flint's early ambitions were focused on book and story illustrations. His paintings appear in a number of books and his reputation as a successful illustrator quickly grew. Solomon Building the Temple is an example of Flint's work before the outbreak of the First World War. In the foreground Solomon is depicted seated in profile on a throne keeping a watchful eye on the workers.