Lot 108: Thomas Alexander Ferguson Graham, H.R.S.A. (1840-1906)

Study for 'Orpheus and Eurydice' signed 'T. Graham' (lower left) oil on canvas 221/2 x 18 1/8 in. (57.2 x 46 cm.) PROVENANCE with The Fine Art Society, London, from whom acquired by the present owner in 1985. EXHIBITION Urban Images, 1995, no. 13. NOTES Thomas Graham was born in Kirkwall, and went on to study at the Trustees' Academy in Edinburgh at the age of fifteen. The Academy had been opened in 1760 to provide instruction for pupils who were interested in following a trade, such as gilding or cabinet making, however, in 1798, a separate Drawing Academy for fine artists had been developed. Graham studied here with McTaggart, MacWhirter, Pettie, and Orchardson, under Robert Scott Lauder. The present work is a study for the painting exhibited at the Guildhall in 1897 that was later owned by George McCulloch whose entire collection was shown at the Royal Academy during the Winter Exhibition in 1909 after his death. It was number 78 in the catalogue that was produced by his wife and published as a special number of the Art Journal to commemorate the exhibition. It is significant that the collection was deemed substantial enough to have this exhibition at the Royal Academy. The critic for the Art Journal noted: 'The Royal Academy has set itself a high standard in these Winter Exhibitions, and no better tribute could be paid to the quality of this magnificent collection than to invite it complete to Burlington House. Later, when the collection was offered at Christie's and the Graham was sold on the last day of the three-day sale held on 30 May 1913, lot 255 for 42 guineas to Leggatt.