Crome, John

Crome, John, 1768–1821, English landscape painter, b. Norwich. Crome was the principal painter of the Norwich school. He is often called Old Crome to distinguish him from his son who painted in the same manner but with less mastery. He was born into poverty but rose to the position of a provincial landscape painter, earning his living by giving drawing lessons and selling an occasional picture. Crome's work was influenced by Gainsborough and by the Dutch masters. His landscapes are notable for simplicity and serenity. Beautiful examples are to be seen in many British galleries and private collections. Mousehold Heath and Poringland Oak are in the National Gallery, London. The Metropolitan Museum has The Old Oak and Hautbois Common. Crome's etchings were published after his death under the title Norfolk Picturesque.

Bibliography

See studies by R. H. Mottram (1931) and D. and T. Clifford (1968).