Lot 3594272: Attr. Geo. Morland, Pair Game Paintings

Pair of still life, "nature morte," oil on board paintings depicting game birds after the hunt in a landscape settiing, attributed George Morland (English, 1763-1804), unsigned. Old label en verso of one painting reads "This picture was painted by George Morland for Wm. Ferreday of Madeley & Thropshire England". Additional writing en verso reads, "Willed to George B. Gage (?) by Helen W. Bartlett (?)". Remnants of old label en verso of the other painting. One painting measures Sight – 23 5/8" H x 18" W, Framed – 27 7/8" H x 22 1/8" W. The other measures Sight – 23 1/2" H x 17 7/8" W, Framed – 27 3/4" H x 22 1/4" W. Late 18th century. Biography (Courtesy AskArt: the Artists' Bluebook): George Morland is known for his paintings of animals and rustic genre scenes, and has been called "one of the greatest masters of the English School, uniting in his work the magic of Gainsborough wtih the delicacy of an old Dutch painter." He was born in London, the son of artist and engraver Henry Robert Morland (c. 1719ñ1797) and was a child prodigy, exhibiting sketches at the Royal Academy when he was just ten years old and paintings many times thereafter. Morland studied briefly at the Royal Academy and then with his father, turning down an invitation to study with George Romney. Although well known and well paid for his genre scenes during his early career, his reckless living led to debt, prison and illness and he died at the age of 41. Condition: Overall very good condition, blacklighting does not indicate any repairs or restoration.