JOHN SAMUEL RAVEN (BRITISH, 1829-1877)

Footnote
Samuel John Raven appears to have been generally self-taught other than possible tuition from his father, Revd. Thomas Raven who was also an artist.  His early work was influenced by the Norwich School of artists as well as Constable, Thompson of Duddingston and, particularly in his unconventional treatment of light, the work of Samuel Palmer.  His later work adhered to the tenets of Pre-Raphaelitism with three works seminal paintings, Rooks Parliament, Saint-Foin in Bloom, along with a study for the latter, exhibited at Tate Britain, Pre-Raphaelite Vision - Truth to Nature (12th February -3rd May 2004, nos.39-41).  A man of strong faith, Raven was described by Henry Holiday as a man who would, '...look at the beautiful sky and mountains and trees, and think of the good God that made them.'

The present work will be on view at Cromwell Place, SW7 2JE, 21 & 22 March, 11am-5pm