Lot 156: Henry Reynolds Steer (1858-1928)

The Work of the Day is over and Tiredness Calls Us Home, Mancetter Church, Atherstone
signed with monogram (lower left)
pencil and watercolour heightened with touches of bodycolour, and with scratching out
24 1/4 x 36 1/2 (62 x 93 cm.)

The present watercolour would appear to be amongst Steer's masterpieces; skillfully executed and sympathetic in mood. Steer was a student at Heatherley's from 1879-88 and began his career as a lithographer, later painting in both oil and watercolour. He exhibited at the New Watercolour Society and at the Royal Academy from 1888-1895. He exhibited from an address in Earl Shilton, Hinckley, Leicestershire.

The church depicted is probably St. Peter's. Mancetter, Warwickshire, close to the border with Leicestershire and therefore a local subject for Steer. In mood and subject matter his work is close to that of his precursor Frederick Walker (1840-1875); two watercolours by Walker will be included in The Important British Art Sale, 24 November 2004.

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