'Ave Silvae Dornii'
Rex Whistler (Eltham 1905 - Normandy 1944)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1928 (initialed and dated)
Materials
Oil painting mixed with wax and turpentine on canvas laid down on panel
Measurements
1981 x 2057 mm (71 x 81 in)
Order this imageCollection
Dorneywood House and Gardens, Buckinghamshire
NT 1507718
Summary
Oil painting mixed with wax and turpentine on canvas laid down on panel, 'Ave Silvae Dornii' by Rex (Reginald) John Whistler (Eltham 1905 - Normandy 1944). Mural inscribed with the initials CT [Courtauld Thomson], who commissioned the painting, signed and dated 1928. Illusionistic architectural framing device with Corinthian columns, inscribed at top AVE SILVAE DORNII (Hail, woods of Dorney!). The painting is positioned opposite the front entrance of Dorneywood House to create a fanciful view of the rear garden.The goddess Flora in brown and cream drapery and Cupid, boy-god of desire, warily approach the house, guarded by Thomson's pet dog, Spot, sleeping on the threshold. Figures in Edwardian dress play croquet in the distance.
Provenance
Presented with Dorneywood by Sir Courtauld Thomson (1865 – 1954) to the National Trust in 1942
Credit line
Dorneywood, Courtauld Thomsom Collection (National Trust)
Marks and inscriptions
signed and dated 1728
Makers and roles
Rex Whistler (Eltham 1905 - Normandy 1944) , artist
References
Cecil & Cecil 2012: Hugh Cecil and Mirabel Cecil, In Search of Rex Whistler: His Life & Work, London, 2012, p. 63
