John Harper Italianate Capriccio

An original early 19th-century watercolour painting, John Harper, Italianate Capriccio.

A rare and beautiful fanciful composition by the early 19th-century architect John Harper (1809–1842).

Harper studied under Benjamin and Philip Wyatt, during which time he prepared the designs for Apsley House, York House, and the Duke of York's Column in London.

John Harper was born in Lancashire, at Dunkenhalgh Hall near Blackburn. Returning north after his training in London, Harper moved to York, where he established his own architectural practice, working on buildings such as St Peter's School, Clifton and St Leonard's Terrace. He was also employed by the Duke of Devonshire at Bolton Abbey.

Harper was a close friend of the York artist William Etty (1787–1849), and also numbered David Roberts and Clarkson Stanfield among his friends.

In 1842 he travelled to the Continent, producing watercolours in Germany, France, Switzerland and Italy. Sadly, Harper succumbed to malaria on his way to Naples, where he died aged just thirty-two.

The present drawing (one of two by the artist that we have for sale) is an Italianate architectural capriccio that displays the technical imagination and fine delicacy of Harper as an accomplished architectural draughtsman.

John Harper's work can be found in the collections of the British Museum, the V&A, and York Art Gallery.

In watercolour with gum arabic to intensify the colour and scratching out to denote sunbeams. On wove paper laid down on cream backing paper. Please note the small size of this artwork. One of two by the artist that we have for sale (see KB-448).