Cecil Arthur Hunt (1873–1965) - Paesaggio della Costa Azzurra (Francia)

Cecil Arthur Hunt (1873–1965) – Coastal landscape with mountains in the background (French Riviera, France)

Interesting watercolor on paper depicting a suggestive coastal landscape typical of the French Riviera: in the foreground extends a wide flat area in ochre, yellow and green tones, crossed by light architectural traces and figures; in the background there is a band of intense blue sea, beyond which rises a mountain range rendered with delicate blue, violet and blue tones.

The work features a very luminous and synthetic painting technique, with rapid, textured brushstrokes that characterize the landscape and make the contrast between the brightness of the sky, the blue of the sea, and the warm earth tones particularly effective.

Signature: “C. A. Hunt”, bottom right, in pencil.

Technique: watercolor on paper.
Support: paper mounted/pasted on a passe-partout.
Presentation: within an ivory-colored passe-partout, as in the photographs.

The work comes from a private collection and was found in a domestic setting. It is not accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, appraisal, or provenance documentation, therefore it is offered for sale as a signed work “C. A. Hunt”, with practically certain attribution to Cecil Arthur Hunt since the autograph, handwritten signature (not printed) is identical to his typical signature. The eventual buyer may decide whether to authenticate the work.

The photographs show normal signs of time and slight color variations of the paper, compatible with the age of the work. It is recommended to examine the images carefully for a condition assessment.

A particularly interesting piece for collectors of British painting and early 20th-century landscape watercolors of the French coast.

Artist biography:
Cecil Arthur Hunt (1873–1965)

Cecil Arthur Hunt (1873–1965) was an English painter, best known for his refined watercolor landscape views. Born in Torquay, Devon, on 8 March 1873, he studied at Winchester College and Trinity College, Cambridge, pursuing classical and legal studies. In 1899 he was called to the Bar and initially pursued a legal career.

Alongside this, he cultivated painting, focusing especially on Alpine landscapes and mountains. He traveled widely in Europe, including the Alps, the Dolomites, Sicily and Italy, subjects that became among the most characteristic of his production. In 1909 he also participated in the VIII International Art Exhibition of Venice with a watercolor depicting Etna seen from Taormina.

In 1919 he definitively left the legal profession to devote himself to painting full time. His renown grew rapidly and his works were exhibited at the Royal Academy, the Royal Society of British Artists, and the Royal Society of Painters in Water-Colours. In 1919 he became an associate member of the Royal Watercolour Society and in 1925 was elected a full member. He later served as vice president of the society.

His painting, characterized by considerable atmospheric force and a masterful use of light and color, shows particular attention to mountains, coasts, and urban landscapes. His technique has been likened to a Turnerian sensibility, while some monumental and dramatic effects recall the work of his friend and mentor Frank Brangwyn.

Hunt’s works are today housed in major public collections, including the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Royal Watercolour Society, and the Yale Center for British Art. He died on 5 August 1965, aged 92; in the same year the Royal Society of Painters in Water-Colours dedicated a major commemorative exhibition to him.

Dimensions of the work: about 21x15 cm (without passe-partout)
Overall dimensions with the current passe-partout: about 31x25 cm

Shipping will be handled down to the last detail: it will be shipped completely boxed in the best possible way with abundant bubble wrap and double cardboard to avoid any possible damage during transit.

The shipment will also be (of course) traceable and insured.