Lot 66: Luke Clennell (1781-1840)

Launching the life boat
signed with monogram and signed again 'L. Clennell' (lower right)
pencil, pen and brown ink and watercolour with gum arabic and with scratching out
16 1/2 x 27 in. (42 x 68.8 cm.)

with Agnew's, London, 1981.

Clennell began his career as a wood engraver, but moved to London in 1804 and exhibited at the Royal Academy. His earliest watercolours are in the style of Joshua Cristall (1767-1847) and Samuel Prout (1783-1852). In 1819 he was certified insane and committed to an asylum in 1831. The present watercolour shows Clennell at his best depicting his familiar North-East of England with figures battling against the elements.

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