This charming mid-19th-century English school oil painting depicts two figures with animals crossing a shallow ford before a picturesque landscape.

As Summer draws to a close, golden hues begin to emerge upon the sun-tipped branches of overhanging foliage. It’s an idyllic scene with several points of interest. On the right, a weary farmer leans upon a five-bar gate while his cow takes water alongside a diligent farmhand. Behind him, two buildings, perhaps a cottage and a barn, are nestled into trees, with the foremost illuminated by light. 

On the left, a horse, donkey and dog, traipse through water, before a mother and child who travel towards a church. Note too the distant windmills and the tinted scenery on the horizon. The painting is unsigned but it’s reminiscent of comparable works by Edward Charles Williams (1807-1881) so perhaps the artist worked in his circle or trained with his father Edward Williams (1781-1855). 

Held within a gilt frame, which could be original.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 18” x 14” / 46cm x 36cm
Year of creation: c. 1850
Provenance: Private collection, UK.
Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Fine craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Frame with various marks and showing its age.
Our reference: BRV1977