Completed British 19th C, except portraits, British 20th C, except portraits, Continental European after 1800, Maritime Subjects, South East England: Artists and Subjects 5 Did Theodor Alexander Weber (1838–1907) paint 'Wreck on the Kentish Coast'?

CHE_WAGA_TA_267
Topic: Artist

The signature on this work looks very similar to that on the linked (below). Is it possible that artist is therefore Theodor Alexander Weber (1838–1907) rather than Thomas Weber?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/yourpaintings/paintings/fishing-boats-at-sea-47204

The collection note:

'Having compared the two signatures we admit they do look similar and having looked at some works by Theodor Weber the attribution is definitely possible

In terms of documentation we have very little information for this painting but having reviewed our records we can confirm that it was the donor who explicitly identified the artist as Thomas Weber.

That being said the signature is "Th Weber" and "Th" is commonly used as a shorthand for "Thomas" so the confusion may be a long-standing one ... Our next step will be to carry out some more research.'

Completed, Outcome

Jade Audrey King,

This work is now listed as by Theodor Alexander Weber (1838–1907).

This amend will appear on the Art UK website in due course. Thank you to all for participating in this discussion. To those viewing this discussion for the first time, please see below for all comments that led to this conclusion.

4 comments

This discussion has not attracted much attention, but I think we can be fairly sure that Warrington's painting is likely to be by Theodore Alexander Weber, or at least bears his signature. The name Thomas Weber presumably arose through an assumption that 'Th' stood for Thomas, in ignorance of the existence of the quite well known Theodore.

Having reviewed the attached files we are happy to conclude that the painting is very likely the work of Theodore Weber. We shall adjust our catalogue accordingly.

Thanks to Andrew Greg, Osmund Bullock and the Stirling Smith Gallery and Museum for your help :-)