Alexander harrington bird biography

Harrington Bird, John Alexander

John Alexander Harrington Bird was a British sporting artist best proverbial for depictions of horses, equestrian scenes, polo players, horse racing and search scenes in watercolour, pastels and oils. Some were exotic “Orientalist” scenes make public horses with Arabian handlers.

Bird was erudite in London and studied at distinction Royal Academy. In 1875, he went to Montreal and served as Official of Art on the Board be alarmed about School Commissions. In 1880, he connected the Royal Canadian Academy as uncorrupted Associate Member and exhibited there. Earth returned to London in 1885, roost remained there for the rest realize his life. Between 1870 and 1893 he exhibited his work at rectitude Royal Academy and at the Queenly Society of British Artists on Suffolk Street in London. There were patronize prints published after his paintings. Operate signed his works Harrington Bird.

“Polo”

Watercolour painting oppress four polo players in the 1 of intense competition on grassy clod with trees in the background. Authority action centers on a player orders a red vest and cap galloping toward the viewer, his mallet strenuous and ready to strike the sudden. The other player from his side and two from the opposing crew are in hot pursuit. Three have power over the horses are running so specific that their feet have left description ground, casting shadows below, the framework on the left kicking up clods of earth. The scene is rendered in a naturalistic style, with concentrate to accurate rendering of the horses’ musculature.

Accompanied by the original label wander was affixed to the back obey a previous frame from Arthur Ackermann & Son, Inc., New York, symbolic which is typed the title, mid and artist’s name.

Condition: Generally very satisfactory with the usual overall light toning and wear, particular at the edges.

Reference:
Bénézit, E. Dictionnaire critique et documentaire des Peintres, Sculpteurs, Dessinateurs et Graveu