This picturesque early 19th-century British oil painting depicts a romantic landscape with sailboats, cattle, estuary, and coastal view. It’s a celebration of nature delivered in airy tints and chiaroscuro.
During the early 19th century, the aristocracy favoured art which elevated the natural world while referencing antiquity. Landscapes by the old masters were considerably more popular than those by living artists. Hence, numerous British painters worked in a manner which paid homage to the past. The dark foreground, ‘framing trees’, and misty distance are reminiscent of Claude Lorrain and Nicolas Poussin.
However, in contrast to the masters, British painters often captured the topography of actual views rather than add elements conjured from their imagination. Richard Wilson (1714-1782) was a forerunner in this respect, depicting the Welsh scenery like never before.
This particular piece is a little reminiscent of works by the Scottish artist, Alexander Nasmyth (1758-1840). It’s been attributed previously to his son, Patrick Nasmyth, (1787-1831), and daughter, Jane Nasmyth (1788-1867).
A delicate image, which still brings a moment of calm as it originally sought to achieve.
Held within a splendid gilt frame from the period, which could be original. Bears a signature in the lower left.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 37” x 30” / 94cm x 76cm
Year of creation: c. 1810
Provenance: Private collection, Scotland.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Canvas relined. Fine and settled craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable.
Our reference: BRV1796
