Lot 98: William Williams fl. 1758-1797 , Courtship and Matrimony: A pair of paintings oil on canvas

each signed W. Williams, dated 1786 and inscribed Bath lower right oil on canvas

measurements each: 24 by 19 1/2 in. alternate measurements 61 by 49.5 cm.

William Williams was an itinerant artist, painting portraits, history, genre and theatrical paintings. He was recorded in a number of provincial capitals, including Manchester, Norwich, York, Shrewsbury and Bath before moving to London. The present pair of amusing paintings are typical of his style; they depict the courtship of the couple, seen walking with their puppies, with the gentleman gallantly helping his paramour over a fence. Once married, however, she is left to fend for herself and the husband takes more interest in his full grown dogs.