Cook Near Arundel 1882 {1904} NGV [WT]

Cook, Ebenezer Wake (1844-1926; English)
Near Arundel 1882
Watercolour and gouache, 55.8 x 86.4 cm (image and sheet)
Bequeathed by Alfred Felton, 1904
National Gallery of Victoria (150-2)

This work exemplifies Ursula Hoff’s genial observation that, like many Australian collectors born in England, Felton had “an understandably nostalgic liking for English scenery” (see also Marshall A Bit of Devonshire 1887 {1904} NGV [WT]).

Mallalieu observes that Cook’s watercolours are “pretty but over-sweet and detailed” – a comment that also seems apt here.

Refs.

AR 1904, p.26; NGV 1905, p.44 (II.Stawell Gallery, no.26) 

For Cook, see Mallalieu (1976), p.66 (quoted). Poynter Mr Felton’s Bequests (2003/2008), p.151, quotes Ursula Hoff’s remark (The Felton Bequest, NGV, 1983, p.1) on Felton’s taste for English landscapes