George Henry Boughton (English, 1833 – 1905)
“Before the Cave of Belarius”
Oil on Canvas. Signed lower left.
Having digital copy of 1990 appraisal for $35,000
Depicts a key scene from Act III, Scene 3 of William Shakespeare’s play Cymbeline.
Exhibited:
– Venice, Esposizione Internazional d’Art, 1901
– Royal Academy, 1903 – item 179
Sight Size: 66 x 53.5 in.
Overall Framed Size: 77 x 66 in.
George Henry Boughton was a highly respected and well-noted historical, genre, portrait, sporting and landscape painter who was born in Norwich in 1833. He emigrated to America in 1839 and began his artistic studies on his own near Albany. Inspired by his own obvious talents, Boughton returned to London in 1853 to study art, but again returned to America and lived for a time in New York. He crossed the Atlantic once more and visited France where he came under the influence of Edouard Frere. After this sejour, the young artist returned finally to London in 1862 where he continued his studies under Fred Walker.
Boughton’s talents were quickly recognized by both art critics and the general public alike. Many of the most important exhibitions in London featured Boughton’s work. This commercial success resulted in the artist’s invitation to join many of the most prestigious art associations in both London and in America. In New York, Boughton was invited to join the Water Color Society of the National Academy, and in 1879 was elected ARA of the Royal Academy in London. In that same year he was also invited to join the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours. Later, in 1896, Boughton was awarded the extremely high honor of full membership in the Royal Academy.