A quiet and reflective early 20th-century landscape painting by reclusive Dutch artist, Fedor van Kregten (1871-1937). Its sombre mood and peaceful atmosphere speak volumes about the painter’s state of mind.

Van Kregten was self-taught and pursued a career in art initially against his father’s wishes. He’s regarded as an important member of ‘The Hague School’ yet often overlooked due to his shy nature and hermetic lifestyle.

His works often depict pastoral scenes and he was particularly adept at depicting cattle. It’s said that he was so obsessed with perfecting his skills that he often chose to live among cows and sheep rather than people.

Here, we see a solitary shepherd sat alongside his faithful friend, while his flock graze in an open field. The weather is overcast - with a tree gently lit by a partially covered sun. Van Kregten painted this during his Autumnal years and perhaps he found peace in this quiet rural idyll.

The painting is signed in the lower right and housed within a good later frame. Another work by Van Kregten appeared at Christie’s in 2004.

https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4330604

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 32½” x 26½” / 83cm x 67cm
Year of creation: c. 1920
Provenance: Holland
Condition: Very good. Frame with a little wear.
Artist’s auction highlight: £3,369 achieved for ‘Kalf’ at auction in 2008.