This late 19th-century oil on panel by Charles Delfont depicts a landscape with haycart, figures and overcast sky.

Along a well-worn country track, cutting between fields, a white horse pulls an abundant haycart. A determined woman strides ahead with purpose under a stormy sky of ominous clouds. The light, arriving from the left, creates interesting contrast across the foliage. Dapples of white scatter the leaves.

Delfont is relatively unknown but this is an accomplished work. It’s reminiscent of French Barbizon painter Théodore Rousseau (1812-1867) with its short marks and clever observations. But the mood feels more akin to the ‘Hague School’ painters such as Gerard Bilders (1838-1865).

On the reverse, there’s a supplier’s stamp from Gus Kenderdine’s in Blackpool, which dates to around 1895. Kenderdine was an artist that trained in Paris at the Académie Julian so it’s possible that he knew Delfont and encouraged him to visit.

Note the carefully rendered indentations in the foreground and quick silhouetted figures.

Signed lower right and held within its original gilt frame.

Learn more about Charles Delfont in our directory.

Medium: Oil on panel
Overall size: 23” x 18” / 59cm x 46cm
Year of creation: c. 1895
Labels & Inscriptions: Supplier’s stamp on reverse relating to Gus Kenderdine’s in Blackpool. Gallery label reading ‘Sommer’, which translates as Summer in German.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.