James Duffield Harding (1798-1863) - Gibraltar with the Alameda
James Duffield Harding received his artistic education from his father J. Harding, who then sent him to Samuel Prout for further lessons and apprenticed him to the engraver Charles Pye. [1] Harding did not enjoy engraving and focused his attention on landscape painting and was elected an associate member of the Old Water-Colour Society in 1820 before becoming a full Member in 1821.
Harding travelled to Italy on at least 4 occassions (1824, 1831, 1834 and 1845). The artist also visited Gibraltar, the Rhine in 1834 and 1837, and Normandy in 1842. [1] Throughout his career Harding was a devoted teacher and drawing master publishing various books to help students. Harding also worked for Hullmandel and other publishers with lithographs and prints after drawings by Lewis, Bonington, Roberts and Stanfield, as well as his own wokrs. Ruskin also called Harding 'after Turner, unquestionably [he is] the greatest master of foliage in Europe. [1]
Our watercolour is an interesting study of Gibraltar with a view of the Alameda. Althought it is known that Harding visited the country, very few works exisit of this trip. It also is an unusual view of Gibraltar compared to works by other artists of the time. The Alameda is also known as the Gibraltar Botanical Gardens and was created in 1816 and covers 15 acres. They were commissioned by the British Governor of Gibraltar General George Don with his intention being that the soldiers stationed in the fortress would have a pleasant recreational area to enjoy when not on duty. Inhabitants of Gibraltar could then enjoy the shade of the various plants and trees included in the Alameda. The Gardens were renovated in 1991 after falling into a poor state over time.
This picture has excellent provenance having once been in the esteemed collection of Michael Ingram (who bought the drawing from Appleby Bros) and then sold as part of his collection with Sotheby's in 2005.
We also have a second work by Harding of 'Arona, Lake Maggiore' currently for sale.
Medium: Pencil and watercolour, 23.4 x 36.2cm, framed.
Provenance: Appleby Bros, London, where acquired by Michael Ingram, 1970; Michael Ingram Collection; His posthumous sale at Sotheby's, London 'The Ingram Collection' 8th December 2005 (part lot); Robinson Family, Taunton (label verso).
Literature:
[1] Huon Mallieu (2002), 'The Dictionary of British Watercolour Artists up to 1920: Volume I A-L', Antique Collectors Club: Woodbridge, p.292. See entry on artist.
Condition report: Some small time staining and a small circular mark towards the bottom of the drawing. The frame shows a bit of wear but is generally in good condition.