Marianne and Adrian played leading roles in the St Ives artistsÂ’ colony, including instigating visits by artists such as Helene Schjerfbeck. Although they are not normally listed among the Newlyn School, MarianneÂ’s paintings of the 1880s and early 1890s bear all the hallmarks of Newlyn School works in their subjects, composition and handling of paint. This key work in the rural realism style depicts a young boy helping out at the St Ives Arts Club (where Marianne was a member) by polishing the glasses, and expertly captures the light from the glowing lantern glinting on the glassware.

Provenance

SothebyÂ’s, 1998; Mr and Mrs Allan Amey.