James Ward [attributed, 1769-1859]
England [UK]
Lion fighting leopards, ca.1800
Oil on canvas
25 x 31 inches
Signed : ‘[illegible – writing throughout the lower edge in pencil but unclear]’.

CONDITION:
Antique 19th-century frame.

DESCRIPTION:
James Ward [1769-1859], along with his teacher and brother William, are two of the most celebrated English artists of their day.  Their technical skill in engraving and in the portrayal of animals is unmatched.  Ward was influenced by his hero Peter Paul Rubens [1577-1640] from which he took a loose brown underpainting and sinuous and fluid main characters.  Lion fighting leopards, ca.1820 attributed to Ward is a prime example of the artist’s Romantic style idealizing the beauty of destruction, violence and power.

PROVENANCE:
xxxx ( David Smernoff, New Haven, CT & New York, NY ) ;
ca.1800 James Ward [attributed, 1769-1859], the artist .

EXHIBITION:
[unknown] ;