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On the Skirts of the Forest
By John Crome ("Old Crome") (1768-1821)
In the Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Although Crome's pictures sold for comparatively small amounts during his life-time, he is now recognised as one of the greatest English landscape painters. He was born in Norwich, and he found his chief inspirations in the scenery of his native country. He began earning his living as errand boy to a physician, but at the age of fifteen was apprenticed to a house, coach and sign painter, and in this humble fashion he placed his foot upon the ladder of fame, by which he was to climb to the topmost heights in the realm of Art. Even at this time he sketched landscape studies, and became successful to the extent that he was able to sell his specimens to a firm of printsellers for twenty shillings apiece. The copying of Dutch and Flemish pictures and Gainsborough's "Cottage Door" helped to form his style, and gradually he became successful enough to marry. In 1803 he founded the Norwich Society "for the purpose of an enquiry into the rise, progress, and present state of Painting, Architecture and Sculpture, with a view to point out the best methods of study, and to attain to greater perfection in these arts." Their first exhibition, held in 1805, marked the formation of the famous Norwich School, the exhibitions of which continued annually until Crome's death, and at intervals until 1833.
He is at his best with tree pictures, and he aimed at dignity and breadth. "If your picture is only a pigsty," he said to his son, "dignify it." And again, he wrote to a pupil, "Your... making parts broad and of a good shape, that they may come in with your composition, forming one grand plan of light and shade, this must always please a good eye, and keep the attention of the spectator and give delight to everyone."
From the book "Famous Paintings" printed in 1913.
Online "Name the Painting"
John Crome
at the Tate Gallery
"Blacksmith's Shop" by Crome
at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
John Crome Etchings
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