George Cattermole RWS Grace in the Refectory

An original mid-19th-century watercolour painting, George Cattermole RWS, Grace in the Refectory.

This large, luxuriant and richly detailed watercolour is by George Cattermole RWS (1800–1868), who was the foremost British historical painter in watercolours of the period. The scene has a highly absorbing realism whilst also achieving a lightness of atmosphere. The combination of watercolour and bodycolour gives a rich textural depth.

Cattermole specialised in scenes of chivalry and of medievalism. This gathered table subject is one of a number by the artist on ancient monastic life and the affecting theme of a medieval 'refectory' or 'distributing alms' to the poor.

Cattermole was a man of intellectual and literary tastes, and he moved in the high artistic circles of Victorian London. He was a member of the Garrick Club and the Athenaeum. In the late 1830s he moved into a suite of private chambers in The Albany, formerly occupied first by Lord Byron. Cattermole included among his close friends Robert Browning, Bulwer-Lytton, Charles Dickens, Benjamin Disraeli, Douglas Jerrold, Sir Edwin Landseer, Thomas Macaulay, Daniel Maclise, William Macready, Clarkson Stanfield, and William Makepeace Thackeray.

It is his association with Charles Dickens that is best known, the younger Dickens said to be rather in awe of Cattermole, and the artist produced illustrations for Dickens's The Old Curiosity Shop and Barnaby Rudge.

In watercolour and bodycolour.

Presented in a handsome triple window mount and gilt frame. Image size: 27.5 x 41.2xm. Frame size: 51.5 x 55.7cm.