Edward Tayler (1828-1906) 
` Sunlight and Shadow`
A lovely watercolour study depicting light filtering through the branches of a large tree at the edge of a field by Edward Tayler, an unusual subject for this artist, best known as a painter of portrait miniatures and Victorian ladies. He was taught by his uncle, the watercolourist Frederick Tayler (1802-1889), and this study may date from this time. Sealed in a very distressed original frame when I acquired it. I recognised the monogramme however, and on removing the painting discovered a signature verso. Now presented double mounted and in a swept gilt frame. I don`t think I`ve ever seen a landscape by Edward Tayler, apart from the backgrounds to figure paintings. I`m sure it would be of interest to collectors of his work, as well as being a delightful watercolour in its own right.
Edward Tayler (1828-1906)
Often described as the "father of present-day miniature painters", Edward Tayler was a portrait and figure painter as well as miniaturist. In addition to portraits, he painted idealized watercolour depictions of young women designed more to embody moods and sentiments than portray individualized sitters. Tapping into the Victorian predilection for allegory and sentiment, these works typically combined aesthetic refinement with a spirit of introspection and contemplation. The resulting images are not only consummately painted but also exquisitely capture the essence of Victorian taste
Tayler, who was born in 1828, exhibited at the Royal Academy in the years 1849-1905, having established a practice as a miniature painter in London after training with his uncle, the watercolourist Frederick Tayler. He came to the attention of Queen Victoria and the Prince and Princess of Wales (later to become Edward VII and Queen Alexandra). The artist also obtained the patronage of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Hesse and Prince and Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein. There are examples of his miniature work in the Royal Collection today. In later life, he was a founding member and treasurer of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters.
He exhibited widely including 116 times at the Royal Academy, and numerous times at the RBA, RI and the Walker gallery etc.