William Henry Hunt O.W.S. (1790-1864) - Two drawings of trees

William Henry Hunt was one of the leading British watercolourists of the 19th century and is renowned for his still life picutres and pastoral landscapes. His early tutor was John Varley whose influence is obvious in Hunt's works. The physician Dr Thomas Monro was a keen supporter of the arts and watercolourists in particular. He was an important patron of Hunt and opened up many avenues for his career.
 
These two drawings of trees were most likely sketched on the spot by Hunt. They appear to have been taken from a sketcbook with the bottom drawing being signed. Hunt's attention to detail when studying nature is always apparent, in this instance the trees clearly caught the artist's attention.
 
Medium: pencil on paper, top drawing measures 10 x 6.8 cm and the bottom drawing measures 9 x 8.9 cm, this work is also signed l.r. 'W HUNT', mounted.
 
Provenance: Abbott & Holder, 30 Museum Street, London (label verso).
 
Condition report: some time staining obvious in both drawings, please see photographs.