Herbert Arnould Olivier

The symbolism of pure white lilies and deep red roses suggest the present work’s title of Love and Purity. Trained at the Royal Academy, where he exhibited almost every year from 1881 to 1944, Herbert Arnould Olivier’s oeuvre is notable in its variety: from the present work’s classically inspired allegorical theme to his series of military portraits made after his appointment as Official War Artist in 1917.  The plaque on the present work’s frame suggests that Love and Purity was perhaps given to an alumnus of the Sherborne School in Dorset where the artist's Easter Morn, the Resurrection (1904-05) hangs in the chapel. The religious allusions in Olivier’s work may be influenced by the clergymen in his family including his father and brother whose son was the celebrated actor Sir Laurence Olivier.

Lined. Under UV: Areas of inpainting to the figures' faces. Thin line of inpainting through leg of baby. Areas of inpaninting scattered throughout decorative elements of costumes and in a larger area at the bottom of central figure's costume as well as in the folds and lower center of figure's costume at right. A few scattered spots of inpainting at upper right and upper center. Inpainting at upper left edge to address frame abrasion.
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