William Wyld (1806-1889)
Biography of William Wyld (1806-1889)
William Wyld (1806-1889) was an English landscape and topographical painter in oils and watercolour. Wyld was born into a rich merchant family in 1806 in London.
On the death of his father when Wyld was aged 20, he was made secretary to the British Consulate in Calais, where he got to know the watercolourist Francois Louis Thomas Francia who taught Richard Parkes Bonington, and from whom Wyld had drawing lessons.
Wyld then worked as a champagne merchant, following in family tradition, from 1827-1833.
When his younger brother was of age to take over the business, Wyld set off on a career as a painter. In 1830 he visited Algiers, stayed for six months and reacquainted himself with his old friend Horace Vernet who encouraged Wyld on his painting career, travelling with him to Rome to base themselves there and to meet important patrons.
Wyld painted many views of Venice and other Italian towns, whilst travelling throughout Europe. He played an important part in the development of watercolour painting in France and was awarded the Legion d'Honneur in 1855.
Wyld exhibited at the Royal Academy, the New Watercolour Society and was made a member of the Royal Institute in 1879.
He died in Paris on 25th December 1889.
Related Fine Art Categories
William Wyld (1806-1889)
Related Lots
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William Wyld [1806-1889] - Riva Degli Schiavoni, looking towards the Doge's Palace and the Campanile, a view across the lagoon to the Santa Maria Della Salute - signed W Wyld bottom right oil on canvas 78 x 112cm.
Estimate: £8,000 - £12,000
Realised: £21,000
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William Wyld [ 1806-1889] - Italian market town - signed W Wyld bottom right oil on canvas 48 x 29cm.
Estimate: £1,200 - £1,800
Realised: £1,700
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