John Samuel Hayward (1778-1822) - Figures in a Cave

John Samuel Hayward, although an amateur artist, exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy and had connections with many leading practitioners of the day. This included his important role in the Sketching Society which he joined in 1803. This work is reminiscent of early examples of the Girtin and Cotman groups where there was a focus on the sublime and picturesque in landscapes, and also of the Monro Academy. This example shows Hayward experimenting with light through figures walking through an underground cavern. Rarely do his works come up for sale.
 
Medium: Pencil and sepia wash on paper.
 
10 x 13 cm, framed.
 
Provenance: Walter Brandt Collection; Abbott and Holder; Collection of Dr Edward Brett.