John Varley (English 1778-1842)

Artist: John Varley (English 1778-1842). Signed and Dated 1816 verso.
Title: Figures in an expansive landscape.
Medium: Ink and wash on paper.
Image Size: Height 15.5 cm x Width 23 cm. (Note: this item is not framed but is mated with acid-free mount board).
Condition: Good with minor even age toning to paper.
Provenance: Private Collection Sydney.

About: Born in Hackney, London in 1778 John Varley was a highly influential English watercolour artist, known for his expansive landscapes, often rendered with a solemn and graceful treatment. In 1799 he visited North Wales, and in its wild mountain scenery, Varley found subjects that helped define his painting style. He returned in both 1800 and 1802, where the rugged scenery would further influence the whole course of his work. Varley exhibited more than 700 works at the “Old Watercolour Society”, of which he was one of the founders. He also became a highly successful drawing master, his pupils including David Cox, William Turner, Copley Fielding and John Lindell.

Varley is also known for his interest in esoteric subjects, and his friendship with William Blake. In 1819-20 Varley and Blake collaborated on the book Visionary Heads, in which Blake drew the 'spiritual forms' of various famous historical and biblical figures (including Joan of Arc and Nebuchadnezzar), and creatures (including, famously, a flea), who appeared to him in visions, while Varley wrote the text, describing what happened as Blake 'saw' his subjects.