Lot 95: William Charles Thomas Dobson (German, 1817-1898) The prosperous days of Job 44 x 35in (111.7 x 88.9cm)

The prosperous days of Job
signed with the artist's monogram and dated 1855 (lower left)
oil on canvas
44 x 35in (111.7 x 88.9cm)

William Charles Thomas Dobson was born in Hamburg, Germany, but shortly after his birth his parents moved to Great Britain. As a young man, Dobson practiced drawing during his visits to the British Museum and he was enrolled in the Royal Academy Schools in 1836. He exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy from 1842 and he was noted for his portrayal of uplifting themes and brilliant colors reminiscent of the work of Sir Charles Eastlake. Dobson was elected ARA in 1860 and RA in 1872.

Dobson was the first headmaster of the Birmingham School for Design, but held that post for only two years, at which time he decided that he needed to travel to Germany and Italy to further develop his art. He returned to England after a year abroad and dedicated himself to painting.

The Bible passage referred to in the painting is Job, 42:12-15 when God rewards Job after all his tribulations. "So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning.." Job is depicted at the center of the composition lifting his hands in thanks to the Lord and is surrounded by his generations.

A watercolor study for The Prosperous Days of Job, was offered at Bonhams, London, 9 March 2004, lot 72.