Pyne James Baker 1800-1870

James Baker Pyne was born on 5th December 1800 in Bristol and became a landscape painter and watercolourist. Articled to a legal attorney, he taught himself painting and was a local artist up to the age of 35. While in Bristol he gave painting lessons to W.J. Muller.
In 1835 he moved to London and exhibited his work, 7paintings at the Royal Academy from 1836-55, 28 at the British Institute from 1828 – 63 and 194 at the Society of British Artists from 1833-70 where he was elected Member in 1842 and later became Vice-President. His subjects were principally landscapes, particularly river and lake scenes. After 1835 he travelled to Switzerland, Italy and Germany gathering material to work up into finished pictures. Pyne was influenced by the works of Turner; his dramatic effects and use of pale yellow tones distinctly reflect Turners influence. Pyne was a methodical artist and numbered as well as dated all his oil paintings.
His son Thomas 1843 –1935 also became a painter. J.B Pyne died on 29 July 1870 in London. His studio sale was held at Christie’s on 25 February 1871.

Bibl: Victoria & Albert Museum Catalogue of British Oil Paintings
Dictionary of Victorian Painters – Christopher Wood & Benezit

Works in public collections: Baroda; Birmingham; Blackburn; Bristol; Cardiff; Leicester; Liverpool; Tate Gallery; V&A Museum; Manchester; Melbourne; Sheffield; Sydney