Edward Dayes, English, 1763-1804
Title: Riders near the Serpentine, Hyde Park, London
Date: c.1790
Medium: Ink, graphite and watercolour on paper
Dimensions:
33.8 x 45.7 cm
Signed: On verso: DayES
Credit Line: Presented, Mr W.M. Smith, 1872
Object Number: NGI.2266
DescriptionEdward Dayes trained as an engraver and throughout his career he produced book illustrations as well as miniatures, history paintings and topographical watercolours. His classical and biblical narrative paintings influenced Thomas Girtin, whom he counted as a pupil, and Turner. However, Dayes is best known today for his accurate London scenes. This accomplished view of Hyde Park is enlivened by smartly dressed riders and a wiry dog, a typical Dayes motif. He followed a regimented pattern of working, first drawing in the outline, then laying in flat blue tones and finally adding washes of warm colour. In this picture, some of the pigments have faded giving the scene a reddish tint and an overall autumnal appearance.