Description:
ROYAL DUBLIN FUSILIERS, AN ATTRACTIVE BOER WAR PERIOD, FULL LENGTH WATERCOLOUR PORTRAIT OF A PRIVATE OF THE REGIMENT IN FULL DRESS UNIFORM, red tunic and bearskin hat, holding a rifle and bayonet, a column of Dublin Fusiliers marching in background in a tented encampment, by the Victorian artist William Barnes Wollen (1857-1936), signed and dated W.B. Wollen 1901. Measures 12.5 inches (32cm) x 16 inches (41cm) vertical approx, framed and glazed in a giltwood frame, approx. 17.5 inches (45cm) x 22 inches (56cm) vertical overall, including frame. Good condition, the painting crisp and clear and the frame and gilt card mount in new, undamaged condition. William Barnes Wallen was a popular, well-regarded Victorian artist who specialised in military portraits and battle field scenes. He was particularly active during the final two decades of Queen Victoria's reign, 1881-1901. Although less active later, he did produce some paintings during and immediately after WW1. Born in Leipzig on 6 October 1857, William Barnes Wallen was educated at University College School, London from 1871 to 1873 and also studied at the Slade School of Fine Art. During the period 1879 to 1922, he exhibited pictures at the Royal Academy, National Watercolour Society and elsewhere. His first picture exhibited at the Royal Academy was entitled "Football" but he followed this up with his first military painting in 1881 entitled "The rescue of Private Andrews by Captain Garnet J. Wolseley, H.M. 90th L.I. at the storming of the Motee Mahail, Lucknow". He was elected a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours in 1888. In 1900, he was commissioned by the new illustrated weekly newspaper, The Sphere to act as one of its special artists in South Africa to cover the Boer War. His experiences during this war resulted in several paintings including "The Imperial Light Horse at Waggon Hill, January 6, 1900", "The Victoria Cross", and "The 1st Battalion South Lancashire Regiment storming the Boer trenches at Pieter's Hill". Wallen also exhibited several scenes during and shortly after World War I depicting that conflict. He lived in London during his career in Camden Square and Bedford Park, and died in the city on 28 March 1936 aged 78. Price includes delivery anywhere within Dublin. Not suitable for posting, so all purchasers from outside of Dublin will need to arrange collection / delivery.
