Period Watercolour on Whatman's Board - "Maid at Arms" After Harrison Fisher - Early 20th Century - Signed

Original hand-painted period watercolour on Whatman's Watercolour Sketching Board by Winsor and Newton, London, depicting the "Maid at Arms" subject associated with illustrator Harrison Fisher. Vendor attributes the work to Harrison Fisher; the signature visible lower right reads "A. Williams." Unframed.



Description

Harrison Fisher (1875-1934) was one of America's most celebrated illustrators of the early 20th century, best known for his idealized portraits of fashionable young women known as the "Fisher Girl." His "Maid at Arms" composition - depicting a young woman in military cap and dress uniform - became one of his most admired and widely reproduced subjects, appearing on magazine covers, prints, and postcards throughout the 1910s and 1920s. The composition was a favourite reference for accomplished amateur and professional watercolourists working from published prints of the era.



This piece is an original hand-painted watercolour executed on a Whatman's Watercolour Sketching Board manufactured by Winsor and Newton of London, as confirmed by the printed label on the reverse. Whatman's board is an unambiguously artist-grade substrate, used by serious painters throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The brushwork visible in the photos is clearly hand-applied: individual watercolour wash strokes are discernible in the grey uniform tones, the dark chevrons show careful layered technique, and the flesh tones are rendered with the controlled wet application characteristic of skilled watercolour practice. There are no mechanical printing artifacts. The board reverse shows age-consistent foxing, soiling, and patina confirming its period origins.



The listing attributes this work to Harrison Fisher. However, the signature visible lower right reads "A. Williams" rather than Fisher's own hand. Vendor advises attribution to Harrison Fisher. The work is accurately described as an original early 20th century watercolour by A. Williams, painted after Harrison Fisher's "Maid at Arms" composition. As a period hand-painted watercolour on artist-grade Whatman's board depicting this iconic Fisher subject, it has genuine interest for collectors of illustrative art and Edwardian-era watercolour work.



Features

* Original hand-painted watercolour - not a print or reproduction

* Executed on Whatman's Watercolour Sketching Board (Winsor and Newton, London - confirmed by reverse label)

* Subject: Portrait of young woman in military cap and dress uniform (the "Maid at Arms" subject)

* After the composition by Harrison Fisher (1875-1934), American illustrator

* Signed lower right (signature reads "A. Williams")

* Vendor advises attribution to Harrison Fisher

* Early 20th century, period consistent with Whatman's board and Winsor and Newton provenance

* Age-consistent foxing, patina, and soiling on board reverse

* Unframed, on rigid board



Condition Notes

Board reverse shows age-related foxing, surface soiling, and patina consistent with early 20th century origin. The painted face has some toning and yellowing of the cream background and minor edge wear. A possible light vertical crease is visible on the left side. Overall the image area is well-preserved. Unframed.



Specifications

Type: Original watercolour on board

Subject: "Maid at Arms" - portrait in military uniform

Artist attribution: Vendor advises Harrison Fisher (1875-1934)

Visible signature: Signed lower right (reads "A. Williams")

Support: Whatman's Watercolour Sketching Board (Winsor and Newton, London)

Estimated period: Early 20th century

Frame: Unframed

Condition: Good (front) / Fair-good (reverse, age-consistent)

Location: 60 Marple Avenue, Villawood, NSW, Australia


Price Guide: $25 - $60 AUD

488500+17

Location of item: 60 Marple Avenue, Villawood, NSW, Australia

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