Alfred George Stannard Paintings

Alfred George Stannard was an English landscape painter associated with the Norwich School of painters, which was the first provincial art movement in Britain. He was born on January 27, 1806, in Norwich, England, into a family with artistic connections; his father was a manufacturer of colors for artists, and his brother, Joseph Stannard, also became a well-known painter.

Stannard's early life was steeped in art, and he received his initial training from John Crome, one of the founders of the Norwich School. Alfred Stannard married Martha Sparkes, a fellow artist, and they had several children. His daughter, Eloise Harriet Stannard, became an accomplished still life painter in her own right.

Throughout his career, Stannard focused on painting the landscapes of Norfolk and its broads and rivers. He captured the serene beauty of the English countryside, often depicting scenes with cattle or figures. His works were known for their atmospheric quality and the way he rendered light and shadows, which gave a sense of tranquility to his rural subjects.

Stannard exhibited frequently at the Norwich Society of Artists from 1827 to 1833 and later at the Royal Academy and the British Institution. His works were well-received, and he gained a reputation for his naturalistic landscapes that celebrated the English countryside. Despite the quality of his work, Stannard did not achieve the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries from the Norwich School, such as John Sell Cotman or John Crome.

He continued to paint throughout his life, although in later years he struggled with financial difficulties. Alfred George Stannard passed away on November 2, 1889, in Norwich. His legacy lives on through his contributions to the Norwich School and the charming depictions of the Norfolk landscape that continue to be appreciated by art enthusiasts and collectors.