STOCK, HENRY JOHN (1853-1930)

"Portrait Of A Girl" (1908)
mixed media
20 x 15cm
signed lower left
*private collection, Sydney
 
Henry John Stock R.A. (1853-1930) was a lesser known, but highly respected English Pre-Raphaelite painter. He was virtually blind as a child but overcoming this adversity he completed his education at St Martin's School of Art and subsequently at the Royal Academy Schools. He was later taken on by the wood engraver and radical W.J. Linton, with whom he made a visit to Italy. Stock would go on to exhibit in London from 1874 at the Royal Academy, also at the Grosvenor Gallery, and at the the Royal Institute of Painters in Oil Colours, of which he became a member in 1880. He became best known for his imaginative and symbolist works, which took their subjects from literature or were invented entirely by the artist, taking influence in this type of work from William Blake and George Frederic Watts. His works are represented in a number of institutions including the University Of London & Kirklees Museum. His works are highly sought after on the open market, regularly selling at Christies & Sotheby's!!