An atmospheric late-19th-century oil painting depicting a rural view across to a distant village. In the foreground, two figures are gathering brushwood while a mother and son walk towards a small stream.

The artist has used an earthy natural palette of browns, oranges and greens to great effect. The graduated sky is particularly splendid and evokes memories of peaceful evenings in the countryside.

Stylistically, the painting fits with the approach taken by the Barbizon School of artists. These were some of the first to truly embrace painting outdoors and they’re seen as a precursor to the French impressionists. The painting is a little later but you can see the influence.

The canvas is signed/dated in the lower right and housed within a fine period gilt frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 45½” x 38” / 115cm x 97cm
Year of creation: 1897
Provenance: England
Condition: Craquelure but the paint is stable. Historic professional restorations. Frame with some light age-related wear.