Charles Grant Davidson R.W.S. 1824-1902. Seascape. Watercolour on wove paper. Inscribed to reverse. Circa.1860. 10cm x 16.5cm image, framed 30cm x 35cm.
Davidson was born in London, orphaned at an early age. He worked for some years under John Absolon, a member of the New Water Colour Society and was himself elected an associate of the society in 1847 and a member in 1849. He resigned his membership in 1853, and on 12 February 1855 was elected an associate of the Old Water Colour Society becoming a full member in 1858 and an honorary retired member in 1897.
A close friend of Linnell, Palmer and the Varleys, Davidson soon established a high reputation. His work being greatly influenced by Turner. He exhibited from 1844 to 1902 at the Old Water Colour Society (where over 800 of his works appeared), at the New Water Colour Society, the Royal Academy the British Institution and the Royal Society of British Artists. His subjects were chiefly typical English land and seascapes; His Haymaking at Priory Park, Near Reigate being bought by Prince Albert as a Christmas present for Queen Victoria in 1856.