Lot 232: William Henry Knight (1823-1863)

The Mask signed and dated 'W.H. Knight/1860.' (lower right), and numbered and inscribed 'No./'The Mask'...' (on an old label on the reverse) oil on panel 25 x 29 in. (63.4 x 73.6 cm.) PROVENANCE Christie's, 3 April 1936, lot 132 (10 gns. to Mitchell). EXHIBITION London, British Institution, 1860, no. 617, (œ140). NOTES Like Harry Brooker, William Henry Knight delighted in painting children at play. Having also established a successful portrait practice, he was particularly adept at observing facial expression. Many of his works are on a small scale - the present painting is an unusually large example.