This beautiful early 20th-century oil painting by British artist Arthur Ellis (1856-1918) depicts children in a cornfield before a distant view of the sea.
Ellis was first and foremost a fine draughtsman, studying both at the Royal Academy in London and also in Paris. His skill with a pencil underpinned his success and he was able to master a challenging composition. One of his most famous drawings, ‘A Painter Etcher’, is in the collection of the British Museum.
Here, in this lighthearted and joyous piece from around 1900, he’s captured the light beautifully as it falls across a cornfield. Note the girl’s face, partially shaded by the peak of her hat. And the mesmerising blue horizon, bright enough to squint. The scattering of poppies is another success. The perspective handled with great skill.
Signed lower right and held within a gilt frame, which is probably original.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 38” x 33” / 97cm x 84cm
Year of creation: c. 1900
Provenance: Private collection, England.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Canvas relined. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £14,300
Our reference: BRV1731
Arthur Ellis (1890-1948) was an accomplished British painter of landscapes, figures, portraits and scenes. He trained at the Royal Academy Schools and his works are held in numerous public collections including the British Museum and National Portrait Gallery.
Learn more about Arthur Ellis in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
