William John Leech 1881-1968
Spring Flowers
oil on canvas
50.8 x 40.6 cm
20 x 16 in
20 x 16 in
signed; further signed, titled and numbered '19' on an Artist's label attached to the stretcher
In France, Leech’s work became informed by the French Impressionists and the energy of working en plein air, with the artist dedicating himself to capturing the effects of sunlight and...
In France, Leech’s work became informed by the French Impressionists and the energy of working en plein air, with the artist dedicating himself to capturing the effects of sunlight and movement. Prior to his time on the continent, Leech’s work had been characterised by a particularly dark palette. After the First World War, he relocated to London, where despite remaining fastidious in his concern for the surface quality of his paintings, his focus had shifted to ‘trying to evolve sunlight and reflections’ through working with interior and still life subject matter. Here we have a flower filled glass, the blooms a glorious mélange of colour, depicted from a high viewpoint as was typical of Leech. The light generated by their sun-like yellows is further lifted by the luminosity of the plants on the other side of the windowpane, verdurous grasses depicted with an intensity and movement that is clear to see Leech’s love of Impressionism remained.
Provenance
acquired from the Artist, thence by family descent to the previous owner.Exhibitions
Dublin, Royal Hibernian Academy, poss. no.19, 15 May - 17 June 1961, with label attached to the reverseJoin Our Mailing List
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