W.J. Laidlay, Solitude, oil on canvas

William James Laidlay N.E.A.C. (1846-1912), Solitude, signed and dated 1895, artist's label inscribed on verso, oil on canvas, 81 x 131.5cm.; 32 x 52in. * The artist studied art in Paris under Carolus Duran and Bouguereau between the dates 1879 and 1885. He exhibited at the Societe des Artists Francais in Paris 1880-1912, he also exhibited prolifically at the Royal Academy; Suffolk Street and the Grosvenor Gallery as well as at the New Gallery. He was one of the founder members of the New English Art Club on which he wrote a book. Laidlay was one of the strongest opponents of the Royal Academy and his pictures show a great influence of the French Impressionist movement.