Ebenezer Wake Cook (British/Australian, 1843-1926), Bellagio, Lake Como watercolor on paper, signed lower left corner, circa 1898, retains Clark Art Gallery, NC label to verso, along with a pencil inscribed title and address of the artist in Cheswick, London; matted behind museum glass in a period gilt frame. Sight size 9 1/4 x 13 1/4 in.; Frame dimensions 18 x 22 in. At 17 years of age, Ebenezer Cook became an assistant to Nicholas Chevalier, who instructed him in painting, wood engraving, and lithography. Cook was one of the original members of the Victorian Academy of Arts. In 1872, he studied under Eugene von Guerard at the National Gallery of Victoria. He won the medal for the best watercolor exhibited at the exhibition of the New South Wales Academy of Art. In 1873, Cook was a frequent exhibitor at the Royal Academy in London. Cook was also the president of the Langham Sketch Club, and an original member and honorary secretary of the Royal British-Colonial Society of Artists. His work and writings steadfastly favored academic painting throughout his artistic career. Clark Art, Raleigh, North Carolina Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com