A fine mid-19th-century pastoral scene by British artist, Alfred Vickers (1786-1868). It depicts a shepherd and shepherdess tending to their animals by the River Medway in Kent.

The Medway is a river steeped in historical significance and it’s been the source of inspiration for many painters over the years. In 1820, Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851) completed his ‘Medway Sketchbook’, which included views of Rochester along with various shipping scenes.

Alfred Vickers is known to have painted several scenes along the Medway and this is a very good example of his work.

Vickers was self-taught and exhibited 125 pieces at the Royal Academy. His fast sketchy style is often compared to the works of Eugène Boudin (1824-1898) who was one of the first to truly embrace painting outdoors.

A label on the reverse provides further information relating to its provenance.

https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/14587/lot/179/
https://artuk.org/discover/artists/vickers-alfred-17861868

Learn more about Alfred Vickers in our directory.

Medium: Oil on panel
Overall size: 23” x 16½” / 58cm x 42cm
Year of creation: 1861
Provenance: England
Condition: Very good with some invisible light restoration. Frame with age-related wear.
Artist’s auction highlight: £10,000 achieved for ‘View Near Conway, North Wales’ at Christie’s in 1997.