William Crabb Scottish, 1811-1876
Eliza Whyte, 1838
Oil on canvas
Size without frame 35 1/2 x 27 1/2 ins
Size with frame 48 x 40 ins
Size with frame 48 x 40 ins
£ 2,500.00
Further images
William Crabb (1811-1876) was born in Laurencekirk and died in Laurencekirk. Painter of portraits and historical scenes. Known as 'Crabb of Laurencekirk'. One of the most underrated Scottish painters. Studied at the Trustees Academy when very soon his work attracted the attention of Sir Francis Grant who employed him as an assistant to paint draperies and the like. Singularly retiring, in later life became totally blind, dying in his sister's house. In 1851 his 'Ahab Naboth's Vineyard', which portrayed Ahab and Queen Jezebel being surprised by Elijah, received special mention in the Art Journal which referred to the 'striking originality in the costumes of the figures which have been adopted from the Nineveh remains, and remarkable for its decided style, unexceptional drawing and powerful colour.' Referring to his very first exhibit, a portrait of Richard Milnes MP (RA 1848), Brydall thought it 'very notable, not only for its striking likeness to the original, but for its artistic qualities of natural pose and movement, forceable execution, and happy contrast between the stiffness of the dress and the ease of the head.'
The same critic regarded his work as 'sometimes of almost equal quality to that of Raeburn.' 'Fitz-James and Rodericj Dhu after the Combat' was exhibited at the Edinburgh International Exhibition of 1886. Numerous portraits still exist in many large Scottish houses, although the SNPG appears to be without an example. Among his known works are 'James Ogilvy Mack, an Edinburgh magistrate' (1846), 'Alexander Hill', publisher and print seller to the Queen (1847), 'Lord Fullarton' (1847), 'Lord Ardmillan' (1857), 'John Philip' (1874), and 'Alexander Hill' (1880).
Exhibited Royal Academy (9) 1848-1857, among the portraits and historical subjects 'Jacob Refusing to be Comforted' (1873) receiving particular praise. Exhibited a love scene in watercolour at the Glasgow Institute 1861 and four others over the ensuing 12 years. Represented in Kellie Castle (NTS).
The sitter is Eliza Napier Whyte (13.ix.1808-8.viii.1868), daughter of Capt Thomas Whyte and Jane Lyall, who married Surgeon James Smith RN (c1796-1865).
The same critic regarded his work as 'sometimes of almost equal quality to that of Raeburn.' 'Fitz-James and Rodericj Dhu after the Combat' was exhibited at the Edinburgh International Exhibition of 1886. Numerous portraits still exist in many large Scottish houses, although the SNPG appears to be without an example. Among his known works are 'James Ogilvy Mack, an Edinburgh magistrate' (1846), 'Alexander Hill', publisher and print seller to the Queen (1847), 'Lord Fullarton' (1847), 'Lord Ardmillan' (1857), 'John Philip' (1874), and 'Alexander Hill' (1880).
Exhibited Royal Academy (9) 1848-1857, among the portraits and historical subjects 'Jacob Refusing to be Comforted' (1873) receiving particular praise. Exhibited a love scene in watercolour at the Glasgow Institute 1861 and four others over the ensuing 12 years. Represented in Kellie Castle (NTS).
The sitter is Eliza Napier Whyte (13.ix.1808-8.viii.1868), daughter of Capt Thomas Whyte and Jane Lyall, who married Surgeon James Smith RN (c1796-1865).