Erskine Nicol (1825-1904) On the Lookout Oil on canvas, 69.5 x 53 cm. (27 3/8 x 20 7/8'') Signed and dated 1870 Provenance: Private Collection, U.K. Exhibited: London, Royal Academy, 1871,...

Erskine Nicol (1825-1904) On the Lookout Oil on canvas, 69.5 x 53 cm. (27 3/8 x 20 7/8'') Signed and dated 1870 Provenance: Private Collection, U.K. Exhibited: London, Royal Academy, 1871, no.184 On the Lookout is an impressive example of the artist's oeuvre and strikes a more serious chord than many of his humouously titled compositions. Although Scottish born, Nicol largely considered himself Irish following a period of teaching in Dublin from 1845-50. At the height of the famine and with emigration at a peak, Nicol portrayed his countrymen and women with a sympathetic immediacy that is as fresh today as then. The present example was admired in it's own time (it was exhibited at the R.A. the year following its execution) and it is easy to see why. A dynamic composition heightens the drama as a rugged seaman stands gripping a telescope and battling against an unruly ocean. Here, is a typical Nicol theme of the underdog struggling against a greater power (be it the elements, famine or oppression) and the artist succeeds in invoking the viewers compassion. Presented in its original frame On the Lookout, is without doubt one of the finest works by Nicol to be offered on the open market in recent years.

View more View less