LEWES PRIORY, SUSSEX, ORIG 18TH-CENT. WATERCOLOUR, SAMUEL HIERONYMUS GRIMM

Lewes Priory, Sussex, 1770s

This is an original watercolour drawing by Samuel Hieronymus Grimm (1733-1794). He was born in Burgdorf, Switzerland and died in Covent Garden, London, England. Originally working in oils (in Switzerland), he transitioned to watercolour, emigrating to England where he achieved a distinguished reputation as a topographical artist and as a documenter of historical events. He was prolific: the British Library alone has 2,662 topographical drawings of his.  He was largely patronized by wealthy aristocrats and authors who wanted him to illustrate his works. Today, he is perhaps best remembered for having illustrated Gilbert Whites classic text, The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne.

The original watercolour that I have on sale here was commissioned by Captain Francis Grose (1731-1791) to illustrate his multi-volume work entitled The Antiquities of England and Wales (1772-1777). From an original work such as this one, an engraver would produce a copper plate for printing purposes.

The definitive work on Grimm is William Hauptman, Samuel Hieronymus Grimm (1733-1794), a Very English Swiss. Bern: Kunstmuseum Bern, 2014.

The image area measures approximately 10 x 15 cm.

Condition is very good.

Provenance: I purchased this work at auction in the U.K. several years ago. Authenticity guaranteed.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ORIGINAL ARTWORK BY A LISTED ARTIST. The image of the engraving is supplied for reference only: it is not included in the sale.