Original Watercolour and Gouache
Jack Firth RSW (1917-2010) - Watercolour and Gouache
“Sculpture Terrace at Antibes”
A luminous Mediterranean terrace scene overlooking the sea at Antibes on the French Riviera.
Key Details
Artist: Jack Firth RSW (1917-2010)
Title: Sculpture Terrace at Antibes
Medium: Watercolour and gouache
Support: Paper
Signature: Signed lower left
Artwork Size: 14.5 × 21 cm (5.75 × 8.25 in)
Framed Size: 50 × 43 cm (19.7 × 16.9 in)
Condition: Good overall condition
Provenance: Retains the artist's original studio label to the reverse
Description
Sculpture Terrace at Antibes is an attractive watercolour and gouache by the Scottish artist Jack Firth RSW. The composition depicts a Mediterranean terrace overlooking the sea at Antibes on the French Riviera.
A sequence of sculptural figures leads the eye through the composition towards the deep blue water beyond, creating a strong sense of depth and light. The white architecture, intense blues and clear coastal atmosphere capture the distinctive character of the Côte d'Azur.
Presented in an ornate gilt frame with a wide mount, the work displays exceptionally well.
About the Artist
Jack Firth RSW (1917-2010) was one of Scotland's most respected watercolour painters. Born in Edinburgh, he studied at Edinburgh College of Art between 1935 and 1939, where he was taught by William Gillies, John Maxwell and William MacTaggart.
Following military service during the Second World War, Firth pursued careers as a painter, teacher and lecturer. He served as an Art Adviser to Edinburgh Education Department and taught part-time at Edinburgh College of Art.
In 1961 he was elected a member of the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour, later serving twice as Vice-President. His work was exhibited through leading Scottish galleries including The Scottish Gallery and Open Eye Gallery, Edinburgh.
Firth was also the author of Scottish Watercolour Painting, and his work is represented in public, corporate and private collections.
Provenance and Notes
Retains the artist's original studio label to the reverse identifying the work as Sculpture Terrace at Antibes. The label records a studio stock number and a historic selling price of £350, confirming the title and providing useful provenance.
Mediterranean subjects are less frequently encountered than many of Firth's Scottish landscapes and offer an interesting insight into the wider scope of his work.
