William Henry Crome Animal Paintings

William Henry Crome was born in Norwich on October 22, 1806. He was the third son of John Crome, one of the founders of the Norwich school. Crome was very unfortunate in losing his father at the early age of 15. Whilst John Berney, his older brother, had sheltered under his father’s wing, Crome had to make his way and this he commenced to do with good effect. In 1826, Crome was sufficiently competent to exhibit a painting entitled A View at Costessey, Norfolk at the British institution. The acceptance of the exhibit must have spurred him on. Crome married Mary Ann Steel. At the age of 24, Crome was beginning to look towards one of the Old Masters, Claude Lorraine, for influence. This influence can be identified in many of his Scottish scenes painted around 1830. Crome traveled to the continent and his visit is recorded by an inscription on a painting, which reads, Near Aix La Chappelle, Brussels in 1854. Crome died in 1873.