Come Unto Me Ye Weary

The subject of the present work is based on the eponymous hymn written by William Chatterton Dix in 1867, which itself derives from a passage in Matthew 11:28 – “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. In these few versed in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus invites people who are tired and weary to come to him. To these weary souls Jesus promises relief, rest and refreshment.

In this scene a vision of Jesus is seen comforting someone, who lies distraught at the feet of a shrine of Jesus’ own crucifixion.  With heavy Pre-Raphaelite influences the detail to this work is astonishing.

The Artist

William Wiehe Collins, was born on 4 August 1862 at Kensington, London, the son of Francis and Mauritius-born Olympe Amelie Collins (née Wiehe). He studied at Lambeth School of Art from 1884-85, followed by the Académie Julian in Paris, developing a talent for landscape and figurative painting, together with architectural and naval studies. On graduation, he exhibited at many of the most influential London galleries including the Royal Academy, developing a reputation for watercolours and pen & ink drawings. Collins was elected to membership of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour in 1898 and the Royal Society of British Artists in 1906.

In 1900, Collins married Jane Blumford and the couple briefly settled at Fulham before moving to The Curatage, East Street, Corfe. He travelled widely across Europe producing a series of books based upon his watercolours, and subsequently sold the originals at the Walker Gallery, New Bond Street and the Fine Arts Society his clients including The Earl of Eldon, the Duchess of Somerset and Rear-Admiral Sir Douglas Brownrigg.

Following the outbreak of the Great War, William decided to sign up with his friend and fellow artist Herbert William Hillier. Enlisting together into the London Division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve,

He died in Cossington, Somerset on 16 February 1951 leaving his wife, Jane

Collins worked predominantly in water colours. His paintings range from elaborate detailed architectural depictions to a more loose interpretation of a market scene, giving a sense of time and place. He confidently offers a view of a faraway place with exquisite lighting and colour.

Works held by him at Manchester City Art Gallery,  Royal Collection and the Victoria and Albert Museum.