This beautiful mid-19th-century oil painting by British artist Charles Dickinson Langley (1799-1873) depicts a mother and child before a landscape.
Little is known about Langley, which is unusual given his extraordinary ability. It’s apparent that he probably trained in Italy as his figures carry a three-dimensional porcelain quality akin to an old master. The composition here is also perhaps inspired by the pyramidal system employed by Raphael.
It seems he worked exclusively for the aristocracy, producing portraits, scenes and topographical landscapes. All rendered with an abundance of country house charm.
Signed/dated and held within a later frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 16” x 18” / 41cm x 46cm
Year of creation: 1841
Provenance: Private collection, England.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Canvas relined. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £6,676
Our reference: BRV1717
Charles Dickinson Langley was a British artist predominantly known as a painter of portraits and animals in the country house taste. Details of his life are scarce, which seems unusual given his evident ability. He hailed from Bedford but spent many years in Hull. Examples of his work can be found at Hinchingbrooke House, a stately home in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
Learn more about Charles Dickinson Langley in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
