Lot 347: Henry Charles Bryant (fl. 1860-1880), after James Collinson (1825-1881)

Leaving Home signed 'H.C. BRYANT' (lower left) oil on canvas 12 x 14 in. (30.5 x 35.6 cm.) PROVENANCE Anon. sale, Christie's South Kensington, 22 April 1999, when acquired by the present owner. NOTES Though we have no reason to doubt the signature of Henry Charles Bryant, this picture would appear to be a direct copy after a work by James Collinson, possibly that exhibited at the British Institution of 1858, no. 566, under the title 'Leaving Home'. Collinson's picture, currently in a distinguished private collection, was included in the The Pre-Raphaelites, Tate Gallery, 1984, no. 93. It is one of a number of Victorian depictions on the subject of farewell. In this instance a country girl is leaving for town, probably impelled by economic duress. Although best known for his skillful depictions of market scenes which now appear frequently at auction, Bryant was also an accomplished painter of genre who exhibited frequently at the Royal Society of British Artists, and also, occasionally at the the Royal Academy and the British Institution. Collinson was a founder member of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood, and was briefly engaged to Christina Rossetti. A full account of his life can be found in the entry for lots 97 and 296..