“Gone to Earth” is a George Wright painting and one of the prime examples of his work. The oil on canvas measures H36 & 1/2; x W21 & 1/2; inches (H53 x W90 cms), so it is of good size and in good condition with minimal re touching. The painting is available for £5950 subject to prior sale. (Item 104).
The son of a cashier and manager of a carpet factory, George Wright was one of 5 or more children. His sibling Gilbert Wright (1880 – 1958) was the sporting illustrator and was his brother’s pupil working together until 1925. George first lived in Leeds, working as a professional artist, moving to Oxford, Rugby then Richmond Surrey. He retired to Seaford in Sussex in 1939 having worked under commission to Ackerman’s since 1925.
He was principally a sporting painter, recognised mainly for his hunting and coaching scenes although he also undertook horse portraiture from time to time. His style was strong and well finished as a result of his immense knowledge of the subject at hand through being a member of the Surrey and Old Burstow Hunt. He was able to capture the paces of a horse; a skill lacking in some of his contemporaries of the period.
He also painted small costume pieces and sporting pictures of cavaliers but the extreme quality of his hunting and sporting scenes made him one of the best sporting painters of the day, which is why his works of art endure and are just as popular today.
George Wright exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy – showing 34 works between 1892 and 1933 – as well as Liverpool where his works can still be seen in the renowned Walker Art Gallery Collection. The success of his career has given rise to a number of photographic prints after his work being produced at the beginning of the 20th Century.
References:
Dictionary of British Animal Painters
Dictionary of Victorian Painters
Hook and Poltimore – Popular 19th Century Painting
S Mitchell – Dictionary of Equestrian Painters
Johnson & Greutzner – British Artists 1880 – 1940
Turnbull – Dictionary of Yorkshire Artists
G. Waters – British Artists Working 1900 – 1950
Royal Academy Exhibitors Lists (various)
Name | Dimensions | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
George Wright (1860 – 1942) | H36 ½ x W21 ½ inches (H53 x W90 cms) | £5950 |