An original signed pencil drawing of a rural scene by the great English artist George Morland (1763-1804). Many of Morlands works were subsequently published as engravings, the hand coloured version shown here is an example of an engraving from the original; the original pencil sketch is offered for sale here not the coloured engraving which is shown for comparison only. 
 
The sketch is pencil on laid paper, 39x31cm and signed centre bottom and is presented In a good Rollo Whately and Gino Franchi gilt frame under glass. The drawing is faded.
George Morland was one of the most successful genre painters of his time, creating, during his industrious career, some of England's most cherished paintings. At an early age Morland displayed his artistic genius, he learned to paint at three and exhibited his first work at the Royal Academy at the mere age of ten. His beautiful idealistic scenes were a favourite source of inspiration for contemporary engravers. Morland is considered a master of genre, his beautiful paintings depict with insightful subtly the tender side of English country life., he was emulated and followed by many others. This is a wonderful example of Morland's delicate style. A young mother busies herself hanging out washing while her young child plays on the banks of a small stream. A happy dog drinks out of the pool completing the feeling of contentment in this pretty drawing.
 
The finest of Morland's pictures were executed between 1790 and 1794 and he exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy from 1784 down to 1804, today his work can be found in the Tate Britain in London, the home of the very finest British art.