This early 20th-century oil painting by British artist Henry Hillingford Parker (1858-1930) depicts a Highland loch with cattle, track and mountain.
Parker adored the natural world and sought to capture its infinite beauty in all its tangled complexity. He spotted the subtleties that tantalise the eye and produced works with various layers of delight. He was a certain type of British landscape painter who remained resolute to the truth, much like his contemporary Benjamin Williams Leader and indeed the great John Constable.
Note the technical prowess on display here. The reflections, which darken by the group of trees on the left and taper accurately towards the distance. And the quickly daubed cattle, each little more than a few marks, yet perfectly described.
He’s also given us various ways to enjoy the view. For example, via the mountain, which you can imagine navigating along a winding track. Or via the muddy path in the foreground as it bends along the bank. Or by resting your eyes on the clearing where the animals take water.
It’s a fine example of his ample dexterity.
Signed in the lower left and held within a handsome gilt frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 26½” x 21” / 68cm x 53cm
Year of creation: c. 1910
Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed on reverse.
Provenance: Private collection, England.
Condition: Artwork presents well. One old tidy patched repair. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £17,000
Our reference: BRV1671
Henry Hillingford Parker was an accomplished British landscape painter working predominantly in oils. He’s represented in various public collections including at Oxford University, Haworth Art Gallery, Auckland Museum and Melbourne Gallery.
Learn more about Henry H Parker 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.
