Walter Shirlaw (Scottish / American 1838 - 1909) 19th Century Watercolor Painting of a Turkey

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Walter Shirlaw (Scottish / American 1838 - 1909) 19th century watercolor painting of a turkey in gilt wood frame. Signed … Read more Walter Shirlaw (Scottish / American 1838 - 1909) 19th century watercolor painting of a turkey in gilt wood frame. Signed lower right. Measures 10" x 8 3/8" x 3/4". Good condition. (Please disregard light reflection on the glass).

Born in Paisley, Scotland, Walter Shirlaw became a painter who explored the American West as a special agent to the survey of Indian tribes in Montana and Wyoming. He also earned much respect in the East for his teaching and multi-talented abilities as a painter of genre portraits, murals and as an illustrator, engraver and etcher..

Shirlaw arrived in New York at the age of three and at age twelve was apprenticed in Chicago as a bank note engraver. In 1870, he took his earnings and traveled to Munich until 1877, mastering the Munich style of which he was an early proponent in America.

He then established himself in New York City where he became one of the founders of the Society of American Artists, which he served as its first president. He also taught at the Art Students League, etched stained glass windows, and did magazine illustration. See less