Samuel de Wilde (1751-1832) - Figures on a Quayside

De Wilde's family came over to London from the Netherlands in 1748 just before Samuel was born.  He enrolled in the Royal Academy Schools in 1769 and became an accomplished portrait painter. His speciality was in theatrical portraiture and he had a studio at Drury Lane where actors would come to have their portrait painted. De Wilde regularly exhibited at the Royal Academy until 1821.
 
This charming drawing comes from one of de Wilde's sketchbooks and depicts two figures on a quayside. Perhaps they are sailors or merchants waiting for the day's catch to be brought in to then sell on at market.
 
Medium: Pencil and watercolour wash on paper.
 
13.5 x 8 cm, framed.
 
Provenance: Trim Bridge Galleries (Bath).