Attributed to William Stephen Coleman

English school, second half of the nineteenth century. Attributed to WILLIAM STEPHEN COLEMAN (England, 1829- 1904).
"Boy with still life of prawns".
Oil on canvas.
The label affixed to the back identifies the establishment where the artist purchased the canvases (Alfred Mucklow).
The gilt frame has non-active xylophages.
Attached is an export authorization valid until 06/28/2025.
Measurements: 76 x 63 cm; 103 x 89 cm (frame).

Painting of costumbrista theme and naturalistic treatment. A solitary child, seated by the sea, looks at us with his big caramel-colored eyes. His cheeks reveal a life in the open, an idea that is reinforced by the tears in his pants and the worn appearance of his attire. Next to him, a plate of freshly caught shrimp and a jar with its mouth uncorked form a frugal still life. Behind the figure, we can guess the sea. A blanket of gray clouds advance swiftly, announcing rain. The painting coincides in subject matter and treatment with some oil paintings by William Stephen Coleman.

Coleman, although trained as a surgeon, turned to painting and natural history illustration. He collaborated with Harrison Weir and Joseph Wolf. He painted in watercolor, mainly landscapes with figures, in a style with something in common with Birket Foster, and semi-classical subjects, related to those of Albert Joseph Moore. Coleman also produced etchings, occasionally worked in pastel and painted in oil. He was a member of the original managing committee of the Dudley Gallery, contributing to the first exhibition in 1865. He continued to exhibit until 1879 and remained on the committee until 1881. In 1869 Coleman began experimenting in pottery decoration; the Mintons Art Pottery Studio at Kensington Gore was established under his direction in 1871, and he executed figure designs for Mintons pottery.