This is a superb original signed ink and colored pastel on paper drawing by internationally acclaimed artist WILLIAM COLLINS, R.A., (British, 1788 - 1847), dated 1834.

William Collins was an English landscape and genre painter. In the late 19th century his work was more popular and highly valued than even Turner or Constable. Collins was born in Great Titchfield Street, London, son of William Collins Sr., an Irish-born picture-dealer and writer. He showed a great aptitude for art from an early age, and was, for a time, an informal pupil of George Morland In 1807, he entered the schools of the Royal Academy (at the same time as William Etty) - exhibiting there in the same year. In 1820, Collins was elected a Royal Academician (RA), presenting as his diploma picture 'The Young Anglers.' In 1822 he married Harriet Geddes, daughter of Andrew Geddes (ARA) and sister of Margaret Sarah Carpenter, the portrait painter. He continued to exhibit and travel in England and Scotland, and his art enjoyed great popularity. From 1840-42 Collins was librarian to the Royal Academy and in 1843 had moved to a large house at 1 Devonport Street, Hyde Park Gardens. Collins died from heart disease, "terminating in dropsy", in Devonport Street, on 17 Feb. 1847. He left two sons: The elder, William Wilkie Collins, the famous novelist, wrote a biography of his father entitled "Memoirs of the Life of William Collins, Esq., R.A." (1848) - he was named after his godfather, notable artist David Wilkie; the younger son, Charles Allston Collins, was also an artist. Collins exhibited at the Royal Academy every year from 1807-46 (a total of 124 pictures), and showed forty-five pictures at the British Institution. Today his works can be found at the Victoria and Albert Museum and Tate Gallery in London, among others.

This rare original colored pastel is entitled "Beach Scene at Cromer" and is signed by the artist on the front lower left "W.C." and dated "1834". It is in good condition, measures 10 ½" x 14" and is matted and framed for a total size of 15 ¼" x 20" (there is wear to the frame). PROVENANCE: Sotheby's, London; acquired in 1958. Authenticity is GUARANTEED. Shipping is $40.00 within the US only, please email for international shipping rates. Please view my other auctions and eBay store for additional museum quality fine art and collectibles.