Although numerous works by Ansdell Smythe (or Smyth) have passed through British auction houses in recent years, very little is known about this artist. Subjects painted by him include the Grand Canal in Venice, a view of a Dutch port and views of Westminster Bridge and Westminster Palace in London. Smythe was working during the 19th century, as works by him were sold by auction as early as the 1880s and 1890s, including paintings from the collections of the Reverend Cornelius Copner Wambey of Salisbury (in May 1887) and Mr J. C. Adnam of Compton Villa, London Road, Newbury (in September 1895). The inferior quality of his work suggests he was entirely self-taught. He is not known to have exhibited any of his paintings.
