This late 19th-century oil painting by British artist, James Hey Davies RCA (1844-1930) depicts a picturesque pastoral landscape with grazing cattle and distant view. 

Grasses flicker through the surface of a shimmering pond, enlivened by light via passing clouds. While a line of mature trees guides the eye, directing the viewer towards tinted hills.

Davies is predominantly known for his plein-air landscapes, which celebrate the abundant British countryside. He also produced occasional genre scenes. Born in Manchester, England, he initially studied drawing at the city’s School of Art before enrolling at the Manchester Academy.

He’s considered an integral member of the Manchester School of Painters along with contemporaries Joshua Anderson Hague (1850-1916), John Houghton Hague (1842-1934) and John Herbert Evelyn Partington (1843-1899). As such, he rebelled against his early formal teachings in favour of a naturalistic approach inspired by the French. 

His views are captured with meticulous observation coupled with an acute understanding of the ever-changing effects upon nature.

James Hey Davies exhibited extensively including at the Royal Academy and Royal Manchester Institution. He’s represented at the National Museum Wales, Manchester Art Gallery, Warrington Museum and Salford Museum.

Signed in the lower right and held within a later frame.

Learn more about James Hey Davies RCA in our directory.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 36” x 26” / 92cm x 66cm
Year of creation: 1872
Provenance: Private collection, Germany.
Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Frame in good condition with minor age-related wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £3,000 for ‘The Shepherd's Greeting’, Oil on canvas, Christie’s, British and Victorian Pictures, London, 1999 (lot 242).
Our reference: BRV1951