James Ward, R.A. (1769-1859), Study of Two Cows, £400

Two Cows in a Landscape

Drawing in black chalk; signed lower right

11 x 15.2 cm.

£400

James Ward was one of the outstanding artists of his day, his singular style and great skill set him above most of his contemporaries, markedly influencing the growth of British art. Regarded as one of the great animal painters of his time, Ward produced history paintings, portraits, landscapes and genre. In the later part of his career Ward was heavily influenced by Rubens, particularly his visionary landscape paintings. He was admitted for membership into the Royal Academy in 1811.

This drawing is from the second half of Ward’s career, after he was admitted to the Royal Academy. The drawing is stuck onto cardboard and on the reverse of this is an inscription ‘Design for a picture painted for Mr Proctor’. Mr Proctor was a patron of Ward. In 1836, Ward wrote a draft letter to Mr Proctor, published by the Walpole Society, in which he requested funds ‘from the little acc” between us’.