Albert Ludovici Biography

Albert Ludovici junior (1852–1932) was a British painter and watercolourist known for scenes of city life, landscapes and figures. Born in Prague in 1852, he was the son of Albert Ludovici senior (1820–1894), a painter of portraits and genre subjects.

He studied in Paris and developed an interest in contemporary life and the changing appearance of European cities. His art drew on French painting and the atmospheric approaches associated with James McNeill Whistler, whose friendship he enjoyed. Ludovici often used animated brushwork and carefully chosen tones to suggest movement and the effects of weather.

He became a member of the Society of British Artists in 1881, following in his father's professional footsteps. When Whistler became the society's President in 1886, Ludovici served on its executive committee. He resigned in 1888 with other supporters of Whistler after a change in the society's leadership.

His pictures include views of London and Paris, street scenes, figures at leisure and seasonal subjects. Christmas Ice-skating illustrates the winter leisure themes found in his work. Rather than concentrating on monumental history painting, Ludovici frequently depicted ordinary social activities and urban settings.

He exhibited in Britain and France, including with the Society of British Artists and the New English Art Club. His watercolours and paintings reflect the exchange of ideas between British and French artists at the end of the nineteenth century.

Ludovici died in London in 1932.