William Lionel Wyllie (1851-1931) - Coastal Sunset

William Lionel Wyllie was one of the foremost British marine artists towards the end of the 19th century and at the start of the 20th century. He was a regular exhibitor at the Royal Academy (as well as being a Royal Academician) and was proficient in oils, watercolours and is especially known for his etchings. 
 
Wyllie rarely dated his watercolours making this an important example as he has dated it 1876. This is an early work by Wyllie and is an atmospheric composition of a sunset he clearly saw either on the English or French coast. There appear to be buildings in the far distance suggesting an active waterfront.
 
Medium: watercolour on paper, signed and dated l.r. 'W L Wyllie 1876', 8.8 x 21.7cm, framed (27.7 x 39.8cm).
 
Bibliography:
 
Roger Quarm and John Wyllie, 'W.L. Wyllie: Marine Artist, 1851-1931', Chris Beetles Ltd: 1981.
 
Condition report: generally in good condition. There is a small amount of time staining. There is a small white dot around the centre of the watercolour. The frame shows some wear and the mount could be replaced at some point. Please see photos.