Clear Morning

Jose Weiss 1859 - 1919

Summary

This view by the French painter, José Weiss, probably depicts the South Downs near Arundel in West Sussex. Our eyes are directed along a cambered area bordered by shrubs and low trees to rolling countryside beyond, where a river sparkles in the valley in the bright morning sunlight. The silvery stream is a natural focal point. An imposing tree on the highest point and the converging diagonals of the path direct our gaze, suggesting strongly that this naturalistic view is a carefully chosen site, modified to enhance the effect. Joseph Nicholas Vincent Francis Weiss (known as José) was born in Paris in 1859 and died near Arundel in 1919, having been naturalised as a British subject in 1899. Weiss first worked in the wine trade and it was in this capacity that he started visiting England. Following the sale of a painting to Goupil Gallery in London, Weiss decided to try to make a living as a professional artist. According to an article in The Artist (vol. 25, 1899), he settled in England in 1893. A prolific painter, he exhibited at the Royal Academy and Paris Salon, and at numerous private galleries. Weiss is better known as one of the pioneers of aviation. He lectured regularly at the Royal Aeronautical Society from 1907-1910 and received a posthumous award in the King's Honours List in 1929.