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A Good Story
By W. Dendy Sadler (1854-1923)
In the Tate Gallery, London
Mr. Dendy Sadler does not achieve his effects purely by reason of the humour or satire of the pleasant pictures which the public like so well. He is a born painter, and as such was one of those fortunate youths whose life-work is clearly defined for them. He studied art at Heatherley's celebrated school, and at the age of seventeen went to Dusseldorf to continue his education under Simmler. His work was so good, even at that time, that only a year later he began to exhibit at the Dudley Gallery, and he was but nineteen when his first picture was hung in the Royal Academy. In a sense he has continued his studies ever since, for his pictures are of the kind that demand accurate knowledge, whether of bygone costumes or of the monastic life which furnishes the incidents of many of his paintings. The jovial monks that he shows us are careful studies from observations abroad as well as in England, and their living prototypes appreciate fully the kindly humour with which he puts them upon his canvas. In some pictures the monks are angling, and upon this subject Mr. Sadler brings to bear a knowledge of the art which extends to his schooldays.
The idea contained in "A Good Story" is a simple one. The tale has many meanings. To the good-humoured monk it suggests humour, while the other finds something in it to make him sad. The three figures are grouped before a fire, and their costumes are skilfully varied to produce a pleasing contrast in colours. It is a human picture, and, as with all Mr. Sadler's studies, the figures and faces are expressive and life-like.
From the book "Famous Paintings" printed in 1913.
Large files of this public domain print are available at Stock Photos at Songs of Praise
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Prints by Walter Dendy Sadler
Monks Angling
Tate Collection
Works of Sadler
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