Harold Hope Read Hilda Semi-Nude Pastel Portrait

Description: An exquisite portrait pastel on artist's paper dating circa 1930s - 1940s, framed - approx 14 X 12 inches (35.56 X 30.48cm). This is an exquisite English Post-Impressionist pastel dating from the 1930 - 40 period. The portrait depicts a truly fabulous post-impressionist study of the artist's mistress and model "Hilda". Cleverly sketched in blues, browns and purples, Hilda stands before a sink, her blouse around her waist, her semi-naked form beautifully depicted as she dries her left arm with a towel, her breasts visible, as she glances at the floor. A beautiful study wonderfully executed with clever use of light and shading.

Date: The pastel probably dates to around 1930s - 1940s.

Artist Biography: Harold Hope Read (1881 - 1959) (Fl. 1907 - 1926) was born in Greenwich to a Quaker family, his mother died when he was two years old and was brought up by a Nanny and later step-mother. He moved to Lewisham as a young man then to Brighton and by 1933 had moved to Tunbridge Wells in Kent. He lived there with Hilda - his life model, housekeeper and mistress until his death in 1959. He was an Artist, Cartoonist and Book Illustrator contributing to Punch and illustrating one of the Folio Society books. He exhibited at the R.A., Alpine Gallery, New English Art Club, Pastel Society, Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours etc. His works frequently appear at both London and country sale rooms where they continue to appreciate in appeal and value, one of his pencil drawings - ‘Hilda Reclining’ being sold on the 8th of June 2005 for US $7,504.

Framing: Later plain moulded Pine. Finish: Gilt Limed. The pastel is mounted on board and has a cream mount.

Condition: Excellent. The pastel and frame are both in good original condition.

Dimensions Frame Image Width: 12 inches (30 cm) Width: 8 inches (20 cm) Height: 14 inches (35 cm) Height: 9 inches (22 cm)

Shipping: Mainland UK & Ireland £10 Europe £20 USA £30 Abbey Antiques Home Shop Couriers Email Auctions Our Ref: 4756

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Our Ref: 4756