Lot 95: WILLIAM H. CROME OIL ON PANEL 1843

William Henry Crome (1806-1867). Oil on Oak Panel, "The Old Water Mill". Signed and dated l.r. W.M. Crome, 1843. Fine Quality Carved Gilt Frame with name plate. With appraisal Stretcher 35 1/2"x25 1/2". Frame 41"x31"x2". Weight approximately 15 pds. William Henry Crome was born in Norwich on 22nd October 1806, the son of the renowned painter John Crome, one of the founders of the Norwich School. When his father died in 1821, William’s tuition was probably taken over by his brother John Berney Crome. Indeed, many of William’s early works were moonlights and one can clearly see the influence of his elder brother. In 1826 he exhibited his first painting entitled A View at Cotessy, Norfolk at the British Institution. At the age of 24, William was beginning to look towards the Old Master Claud Lorraine for influence. The evidence of a Claudian composition and palette, particularly in the use of blue, is manifest in his work from this time. These blues are notable in many of his Scottish views, such as Lochleven Castle and Pitleven Bridge. The blue period was followed by a number of paintings of very balanced colour, most of them being Norfolk scenes. However, most of his paintings continue to exhibit his fondness for emerald green tones. Indeed, the use of green becomes increasingly apparent until he embarks upon his ‘green’ period which began about 1840. In watercolours he attained great delicacy; though not his usual working medium, several watercolours are recorded, the most interesting being Views of Windsor, executed at the mere age of 15. His late work suggests a further colour transition to sienna. It is also interesting to note that in 1867, a piece entitled Norwich from the Hellesdon Road was exhibited at Norwich by John and William Crome which either suggests that William Henry completed his father’s picture or that they executed a joint work.

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