William Brock, Towards the Close of Day, 1907, Oil on Canvas

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Description

This painting is an impressive work by the British artist William Brock (1874-1953). It is very likely the major work … Read more This painting is an impressive work by the British artist William Brock (1874-1953). It is very likely the major work that William Brock presented at the Royal Academy of London in 1907. In the official catalogue of the Royal Academy's 1907 exhibition (the 139th Exhibition), William Brock is listed with work no. 454, entitled

"Towards the Close of Day". The title perfectly matches the twilight atmosphere and the golden light that bathes the scene. At the time, Brock was residing at "Studio, 30 Osnaburgh Street, Regent's Park," London. The fact that this painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy is a major selling point: it was the most prestigious showcase for a British artist.

The Artist: William Brock

William Brock was a renowned painter of landscapes and animals. He was the son of the celebrated sculptor Sir Thomas Brock, official sculptor to Queen Victoria (best known for the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace).

Training: He studied at the Royal Academy in London and at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris.

Style: His style blends British academic painting with French Impressionism, clearly visible here in the treatment of the "golden" light and the vegetation.

Context: In 1907 (the year of this painting), Brock was beginning to exhibit regularly at the Royal Academy.

Given its monumental size (260 cm x 180cm), it is very likely that this work was intended as an exhibition painting (Paris Salon or Royal Academy), placing it among the most prestigious works of his career.

The Subject and the Inscription

The Scene: The painting depicts a young girl accompanied by a large dog (probably a Great Dane or a Greyhound) in front of a river landscape. The multi-arched bridge in the distance evokes the banks of the Seine or the Loire. Brock painted extensively in Normandy and in France. The landscape-with its stone bridge of multiple arches and ruins on the left-strongly recalls Moret-sur-Loing, a town beloved by Impressionist painters such as Sisley, or a medieval town along the Seine in Normandy. Brock spent considerable time painting in France after his studies at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, and works from this period are the most sought-after.

The Inscription: "To my Friend Amber, In remembrance of the days we spent together"

At that time, Amber Reeves (1887-1981) was a well-known intellectual and writer within London's artistic circles. While there is no formal proof, the dates and social connections align. In 1907, Amber Reeves was a brilliant 20-year-old woman from an influential family, closely connected to artistic and intellectual circles (she is notably known for her relationship with H. G. Wells). Although she was slightly older than the girl depicted in the painting, this may be a "souvenir portrait" or a personal dedication to a close friend. I have official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs,
designer records,
or other literature sources and take full responsibility for any authenticity issues arising
from
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