Arthur Wardle

1864 – London – 1949

 

The highlight of this exquisite still life is the green parrot sitting on a clay jug and nibbling at a paint brush. The bird visually stands out against the dark background. Further painting equipment is arranged on the table in the foreground. The painter is observing his animal companion in his work environment thereby paying great attention to the depiction of materiality. The glazed surface of the clay jug looks smooth, round and vivid. Its warm earth tones contrast with the cool reflections of the aluminium paint tubes. The feathering of the parrot shimmers elegantly and appears to be particularly fluffy in the parts above the claws. By including a fly into the painting, Arthur Wadle refers to the tradition of baroque vanitas still lifes.

London painter Arthur Wardle was famous for his wildlife observation skills. Between 1880 and 1935 he participated in exhibitions at the Royal Academy on a regular basis, furthermore in shows at the Pastel Society, Suffolk Street Gallery and New Watercolour Society. The Tate Gallery dedicated a comprehensive exhibition to the artist in 1935.