About this artwork
Crawhall was taught by his father who encouraged him to draw from his imagination, and not to over-correct his works in case they became static and lifeless. This imaginary composition was drawn in the early 1890s, and clearly shows the artist’s sarcastic humour. Coming from a wealthy family, Crawhall did not need to sell his pictures to make a living. He painted when the mood took him and was extremely self-critical. His first one-man show in Glasgow (1894) was organised by the dealer, Alexander Reid, who introduced him to Scottish collectors. Crawhall’s pictures were avidly sought after, especially by Sir William Burrell. In 1928 he paid as much as £750 for a Crawhall watercolour, at a time when you could purchase a Degas pastel for a mere £400.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Joseph Crawhall (1861 - 1913) Scottish
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title:The Tiger
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date created:Unknown
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materials:Watercolour and bodycolour on paper
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measurements:21.00 x 26.00 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased with funds from the Cowan Smith Bequest 1923
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accession number:D NG 1619
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gallery:
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subject:
Joseph Crawhall
Joseph Crawhall
Crawhall's sensitive watercolours of animals and birds conveyed their individual character and nobility. His avoidance of the cloying sentimentality favoured by many Victorian painters reflected his deep respect for creatures whose undemanding company he enjoyed. Crawhall, who was from...