Sir David Murray
Scottish, (1849-1933)
The Bridge
Oil on canvas, signed & further inscribed verso
Image size: 17.75 inches x 23.75 inches
Size including frame: 26.25 inches x 32.25 inches
A tranquil landscape painting of a bridge over a river by Sir David Murray RA. To the left of the painting below the bridge, a figure is shown fishing from a boat as ducks glide by. On the opposite side of the bank a ploughman fetches water for his horses. Meanwhile, a figure on horseback can be seen riding across the bridge past another fisherman sat on the side.
Sir David Murray was born on 29 January, 1849 in Glasgow. His father James was a boot and shoe maker from Appin, Argyleshire and the family lived at 18, Thistle Street, later moving to the Paisley road. When he left school, he initially worked for two merchants but in his spare time attended evening classes at the Glasgow School of Art, where he studied under Robert Greenlees. He would also go on frequent painting trips
... with his other amateur artist friends to areas such as Milngavie.
Murray was one of the original founder members of the Glasgow Art Club which started in 1866. He frequently exhibited there over the years and became their president. In 1875, he decided to abandon his career in commerce to become a full time artist specialising in landscapes. In the same year, he made his debut at the Royal Academy from an address at 108 West George Street, Glasgow. He exhibited at the RA regularly throughout his life and posthumously. In 1881, he became an associate of the Royal Scottish Academy.
By 1883, Murray had made the move to London where he lived at Millais’s old studio, 1 Langham Chambers, Portland Place. He became a highly successful artist and was elected associate of the Royal Academy on 21 January, 1891 and became a full member on 25 January, 1905. As well as working in oils and watercolours, he also occasionally worked as an illustrator for The English Illustrated Magazine.
He was known for his boundless enthusiasm for painting and strong sense of individuality and travelled around exploring the beauty of the countryside. He also helped struggling artists and often took his students to paint at his favourite spots such as Ringwood in Hampshire. Although Murray spent most of his life painting the landscapes of Scotland and England he also travelled to France, spending time in Picardy and Italy. In 1917 he succeeded Sir James Linton as president of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours. In 1918 he received a knighthood. Murray died at Langham Chambers on 14 November, 1933.
Examples of his work can be found at the Dudley Museum, Dundee Art Gallery, Glasgow Museum, Maidstone Museum, Paisley Museum, Sheffield Museum, the Tate, Walker Art Gallery and York Art Gallery.
Presentation: The painting is housed in a new, English made gilt frame which is in excellent condition. The reverse bears a label for L. Freedman, an art dealer and frame maker founded in Edinburgh in 1890, with premises at 8 Antigua Street. It began operating solely as a picture framer sometime during the mid 20th century and now trades under a different name from the same address.
Condition: As with all of our original antique oil paintings, this work is offered in ready to hang gallery condition, having just been professionally cleaned, restored and revarnished.
© Benton Fine Art
Members of the British Antique Dealers Association (BADA) the London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association (LAPADA).
We use a professional, fully insured and tracked door to door service for our UK and international deliveries. Please contact us for further information and shipping quotes.
Viewing is by APPOINTMENT ONLY. However, we can also arrange for you to view the item in your home, depending on the location.
For a wider range of stock please visit www.bentonfineart.com.
If you would like to purchase this item or have any questions, please email us at pictures@bentonfineart.com or call 07710 540549.
© Benton Fine Art
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA660786
Dateline of this antique is 19th Century
Height is 66.5cm (26.2inches)Width is 82cm (32.3inches)Depth is 6.5cm (2.6inches)
Thank you.
Your comment has been sent to Sellingantiques.