An oil on canvas depicting a ghostly apparition ascending stairs towards streams of light. Signed L. S. Wren to the lower right.

Stamp for William Whitehead, Carver & Gilder, Lansdowne Terrace verso; he was known to operate a studio from this address between 1850-1885. The Windsor & Newton canvas stamp verso was in use c.1880-90. Both of these stamps indicate this works like likely dates c.1880s.

L. S. Wren is an unknown artist but the William Whitehead stamp verso indicates the artist, or this work at least, was well considered at the time. Well-established local artists, such as Thomas Baker, sold their work through William Whitehead's studio, indicating it was a respected establishment in the local art community. 

The Windsor and Newton canvas stamp verso is off centre, initially indicating that the work had been cut down from a larger painting. Upon examination outside of the frame, the work has in fact been painted over another painting, which appears to be of a church. The remnants of such remain to the outer edges of the canvas (please see photographs). The canvas was then cut down and mounted to fit this work. 

The work is housed in a period frame which has some knocks and and small historic repairs but again it displays well and compliments the work. There is an area of craquelure to the lower right and the varnish is a little aged, but overall the work displays well.

Dimensions

Height: 39cm

Width: 33cm

Depth: 4.5cm

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