This mid-19th-century oil painting by British artist Edward Benjamin Herberte (1830-1896) depicts a busy gathering outside ‘The Barley Mow’, a charming village pub.
Wherever you look, there’s a story. It’s a veritable hive of activity. Towards the middle, an older gentleman leans to chat to a bustle-wearing woman. Alongside, a muscular grey horse rests unsaddled. In the lower right, a stout shepherd guides his marked flock through a rickety five-bar gate. A collie waits patiently.
Further on, beyond the weary cattle, the village church stands prominently with distant homes peppering the background. It’s a rural idyll, a window through time.
Herberte was primarily an animal painter with a particular skill for horses. He’s best known for his sporting scenes and worked predominantly for aristocratic patrons.
Signed/dated lower left and held within a gilt frame.
This painting was sold at Christie’s on the 2nd of June 1989 and it’s illustrated on page 48 of the auction catalogue.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 43” x 30½” / 109cm x 78cm
Year of creation: 1879
Labels & Inscriptions: Reeves and Sons supplier’s stamp.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. One patched repair. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £23,992
Edward Benjamin Herberte was an accomplished British painter of sporting and genre scenes. He’s represented at the National Trust, Leicester Museum & Art Gallery and Berkswell Village Museum.
Learn more about Edward Benjamin Herberte 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.
