Lot 260: William Shakespeare Burton (1824-1916)

The Love Letter, January 1866 signed, inscribed and dated 'The Love Letter/W.S. Burton/Jan 1866' (on the reverse prior to relining) oil on canvas 63/4 x 81/2 in. (17.2 x 21.6 cm.) PROVENANCE with The Maas Gallery, London. with The Fine Art Society, London, from whom acquired by the present owner in 1986. NOTES Burton was an historical painter who is best known for The Wounded Cavalier which had a sensational entry to the Royal Academy exhibition in 1856. Dogged by ill-health and lack of recognition, Burton practically abandoned painting during the 1880s and 1890s, but was persuaded to take it up again around 1900.