Extensive varnish removal for this William Wilson Cowell (1819-1898) oil painting revealed a hidden hole in the top right corner. The varnish was likely a ploy to hide this damage. Restoration will finish with in-painting, and treating the frame for a mold invasion. Stay tuned for more . . .

William Wilson Cowell was primarily an East Coast artist who also was known to paint in the Great Lakes area, and in Nova Scotia, Canada during the later years of his life. He trained in Europe in the 1840’s and upon his return to America, he studied marine painting with Edward Moran and J. Faulkner at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art.

Exhibitions of his work at the Brooklyn Art Association, Pennsylvania Academy, and Art Institute of Chicago are noted. Like many other artists, the works of A.T. Bricher and F.A. Silva from of the Luminist school influenced William Wilson Cowell. Combining the teachings of Ruskin with the influence of the Luminist he was able to compose wonderful, light-brimming expressions of nature.