Lot 112: John Wharlton Bunney (British, 1828-1882)

Florence from the hill of Bellesguardo, Fiesole
signed 'J. Bunney' l.r.
watercolour
48.5 x 75 cm. (19 x 29 1/2 in.)

The British Council, London, British Drawings and Watercolours for China, 1982, no.65.

John Wharlton Bunney was William Holman Hunt's studio assistant in Florence. One can see the influence of Holman Hunt in the vibrant, evocative colours used to depict this magnificent panorama. Bunney became a close friend both of Holman Hunt and his wife Fanny and gave the present picture to Fanny in 1866, the same year that she sadly died of cholera in Florence.

Given to Fanny Holman Hunt, wife of William Holman Hunt in 1866.