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Robert L. AlexanderThe Old Guard
$17,185.51
£12,500
€14,704.75
CA$23,527.83
A$26,358.76
CHF 13,719.71
MX$320,999.24
NOK 174,770.81
SEK 164,584.79
DKK 109,769.07
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About the Item
Robert L. Alexander R.S.A., R.S.W. (1840- 1923)
The Old Guard
signed and dated 'R. ALEXANDER 1889' (lower left)
Oil on canvas
Canvas Size - 33 x 27 in
Framed Size - 42 x 36 in
Provenance
Sale, Christie's, London, 28 October 1999, lot 91;
The Collection of Charlie Watts.
Charlie Watts, the legendary drummer of The Rolling Stones, was renowned not only for his musical prowess but also for his profound affection for animals, particularly Collies. He and his wife, Shirley, resided at Halsdon Manor in Devon, where they managed a stud farm for Arabian horses. Their estate was also home to numerous dogs, reflecting their deep commitment to animal welfare.
Robert L. Alexander R.S.A., R.S.W. (1840–1923): A Scottish Painter of Pastoral Grace
Robert L. Alexander was a distinguished Scottish artist renowned for his serene landscapes, rural genre scenes, and finely rendered animal paintings. Born in 1840 in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Alexander trained at the Trustees’ Academy in Edinburgh, where he developed the meticulous technique and tonal sensitivity that would characterize his work throughout his career.
Working primarily in oils and watercolours, Alexander focused on the quiet poetry of country life. His paintings often featured cattle, sheep, and working horses, placed within harmonious Highland or Lowland settings. Rather than portraying animals as mere subjects, Alexander imbued them with dignity and presence, presenting them as integral elements of Scotland’s rural identity.
He was elected an Associate of the Royal Scottish Academy (R.S.A.) in 1888 and became a full member in 1897. He was also an active member of the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour (R.S.W.), exhibiting widely and earning respect for his consistent craftsmanship and pastoral vision.
Alexander’s work resonated with a Victorian and Edwardian audience that valued depictions of the countryside during a time of increasing urbanization and change. His compositions are often noted for their tranquillity, soft light, and naturalistic detail, reflecting a deep affection for both the land and its animals.
Robert L. Alexander passed away in 1923, leaving behind a body of work that continues to celebrate the enduring beauty of rural Scotland. His legacy lives on through his contribution to Scottish art and his tender, respectful portrayals of agricultural life.
- Creator:Robert L. Alexander (1840 - 1923, British)
- Dimensions:Height: 42 in (106.68 cm)Width: 36 in (91.44 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Stoke, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU446316426422
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