482 - Sir William Blake Richmond, RA,

Sir William Blake Richmond, RA, British 1842-1921- Studies of classical architecture, with triumphal arch and statue; silverpoint on paper, bears studies of a column on verso, 9 x 12.5 cm. Provenance: with Martyn Gregory, London [VE 852F]. Note: Richmond studied under the eminent critic and artist John Ruskin (1819-1900), and succeeded him as the Slade Professor of Fine Art at Oxford University from 1878 to 1883. He was a significant figure in the development of the Arts & Crafts Movement, and as well as being a highly regarded painter, worked as a designer of stained glass and mosaics. One of his most celebrated projects is undoubtedly the mosaic decoration which adorns the interior of St Paul's Cathedral in London. The present work shows Richmond’s interest in classical subjects, another example of which which sold at Sotheby’s, London on 14 July 2021, lot 65 (£5,292). Executed in silverpoint, the present work also demonstrates his accomplishment in the medium, another silverpoint by Richmond sold at Christie’s, London, on 1 July 2026, lot 175 (£2,159).