THE ROMPS - ENGRAVED BY WILLIAM WARD AFTER WILLIAM REDMORE BIGG (1755-1828)

A fine and large late 18th century mezzotint engraved by William Ward after the original painting by William Redmore Bigg. This work features an interior of a schoolroom, a young woman entering to right expressing displeasure, taking hold of the ink-stained skirts of a little girls who looks down, her curls loose and dishevelled, bonnet on the floor behind her, two others on either side of her, one of whom tries to put her clothes to rights, four others further back to left, looking neater, one holding a book, one hiding her face in another's shoulder, and an overturned table with ink-bottle and papers on the floor just inside the door

William Ward (1766–1826)  William Ward was an English engraver. He was the son of James and Rachael Ward, and elder brother of James Ward. He was appointed engraver to the Duke of York, the Prince of Wales and associate engraver to the Royal Academy.  

William Ward's brother James was one of the outstanding artists of the day, his singular style and great skill set him above most of his contemporaries, markedly influencing the growth of British art. Regarded as one of the great animal painters of his time, James produced history paintings, portraits, landscapes and genre. He started off as an engraver, trained by William, who later engraved much of his work. The partnership of William and James Ward produced the best that English art had to offer, their great technical skill and artistry having led to images that reflect the grace and charm of the era. He was married to Maria Morland, sister of George Morland and they had two children - Martin Theodore Ward, d. 1874 and William James Ward, d. 1840.

William Redmore Bigg RA (1755-1828). Bigg was born in Felsted in Essex to William and Grace Bigg. He enrolled in the Royal Academy schools in 1778 where he studied under Edward Penny RA whose forte was depicting acts of charity. Bigg's greatest delight was in painting children. This foes work is after the original painting at Temple Newsam House, Museums and Galleries (purchased from Mrs W. Roche, 1954)

This work is in an excellent state of conservation and is ready to hang and enjoy framed under art glass in a quality antique style frame.

Mezzotint.

Higher resolution images on request.   Worldwide shipping available.

Framed: 74 cm x 86 cm / 29in. x 34in.                                                      Sheet: 61cm x 48 cm / 19in. x 24in.                                                

Executed 1796

Price: £620