This beautiful 19th-century English School oil painting depicts a sprawling view of the Longleat Estate with its splendid Elizabethan house in the distance.

Celebrated for its majestic architecture and beautiful gardens, Longleat’s splendour has long been marvelled at by visitors. The gardens were remodelled by English luminary Capability Brown who introduced scenic drives and a landscaped park.

Brown’s naturalistic style of essentially borrowing from nature was received well by the landed gentry. They admired its similarity to their art collection. One could stroll through the delights of an idealised vision by Claude Lorrain.

Painted in around 1820, this charming composition echoes those sentiments and ‘frames’ the view with two dominant trees. These guide the eye along a winding track partially shaded by a copse. The house is presented in miniature yet captivates our attention. And if you look closely, you might spot an interesting figure in red. Perhaps it’s Thomas Thynne, the 2nd Marquess of Bath.

Held in a beautiful gilt frame with foliate, pierced centres and corners.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 36½” x 32” / 93cm x 81cm
Year of creation: c. 1820
Condition: Craquelure but the paint is stable. Canvas relined. Later stretcher. Frame with some light wear.