This charming 19th-century oil painting by British artist David Bates (1840-1921) depicts an idyllic rural scene with a picturesque thatched cottage, country track, pond and figures.
Beaming under the incandescence of Summer, a charming higgledy-piggledy cottage rests amid verdant foliage. Above, the passing clouds break to reveal blue sky in a typically English fashion. While to our left, a seated figure rests by an algae-covered pond.
This was Bates’ Utopia - merry old England, with its charm, frequent showers, and abundant countryside. He loved these views, particularly those in Worcestershire, where he lived for many years.
Inspired by nature itself, he sought the truth, rather than adding his own embellishments. Like Constable before him, Bates understood that one can only capture the true beauty of nature when you approach the land with humility.
Signed/dated and held in a splendid gilt frame with foliate.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 26½” x 19½” / 68cm x 50cm
Year of creation: 1871
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: £36,198
Our reference: BRV1380
David Bates exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy, Royal Society of British Artists, New Watercolour Society and the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists. He’s represented at the Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, Liverpool Museum, The Wilson, Cheltenham, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, and the Derby Museum & Gallery among others.
Learn more about David Bates 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.
