william_s_sketchbook [Murray-Prior History Wiki]

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====== William's sketchbook ======
Fiona and Emma Cullen-Ward have shared with us a marvellous sketchbook which belonged to the talented artist-soldier William Prior (1821-44)-see [[william|William Augustus Murray Prior]]. When William died, the sketchbook went to his father who has written his name inside 'Captain Prior 1845'. The sketchbook is rather battered and a little larger than an A4 paper and around 4cm thick. The following reproductions (in the order they appear in the book) show why it was so treasured. To enlarge, just click on the photo.\\ 
{{:scan_20241126.jpg?200|}} Is this a battlefield allegory with the British lion overhead? \\
{{:scan_20241126_2_.jpg?200|}} William has initialed (W.P.) this fine painting of cows and dated it 1832.\\
{{:scan_20241126_3_.jpg?200|}} these are copies of sketches: the first is by Honoré Daumier of the 'Grocer' c.1840-41. For more see [[http://https://ia601405.us.archive.org/8/items/KAMDaumierParis/KAM_Daumier_Paris.pdf|Daumier's Paris]]. The second is an engraving by Jacques Lavieille, 1840 which is variously labelled 'Home Nurse', 'Monthly Nurse' or 'La garde'(guard). A monthly nurse attended to a woman in the then dangerous month after childbirth when puerperal fever killed so many. She is holding a portable dustpan and brush.\\ 
{{:scan_20241126_4_.jpg?200|}} {{:scan_20241126_5_.jpg?200|}}William's art teacher Sidney Cooper specialised in cows and other farm animals, so these paintings are likely ones William produced while his pupil. \\
{{:scan_20241126_6_.jpg?200|}} undated, unsigned landscape possibly in the Netherlands.\\
{{:loose_drawing_with_string_tied_up_with_scan_20241126_8_.jpg?200|}} This painting is loose in the album, tied with the string shown here. It has comments on it about the deficiencies in the technique - perhaps William's self-critique or does the string indicate it was tied up and sent to someone for critical comment?\\
{{:scan_20241126_7_.jpg?200|}} Is this a drawing of one of the towns where William was stationed, along with his room with its art on the walls?\\
{{:scan_20241126_9_.jpg?200|}} {{:scan_20241126_10_.jpg?200|}} {{:scan_20241126_11_.jpg?200|}}Does anyone recognise these locations? \\
{{:scan_20241126_12_.jpg?200|}} This sketch shows a change of style, more detailed and darker. It is signed W. Prior and dated May 22nd 1842, when William was 20 years old. He has also written a comment between his name and date that is difficult to read. Part of it seems to be 'From original' but does he mean from another painting or the original landscape?\\{{:scan_20241126_13_.jpg?200|}} This is the first coloured painting in the album.