This early 20th-century oil painting by British artist John Da Costa (1866-1931) depicts two figures dressed in riding gear within a country house interior.
Looking towards a familiar painting, he stands glassy-eyed. Perhaps dwelling upon the day’s events under the gaze of an ancestor. She holds a riding crop and cuts a striking figure as she turns to face him. We can only imagine the proceeding events.
Da Costa was an extraordinary artist who trained in Paris from the age of 11. Primarily known as a portraitist, he also produced numerous scenes for publications, such as The Graphic. When doing so, he worked in black and white, which emphasised his skill as a draughtsman. Usually, the scenes were accompanied by a short story or a simple suggestive title. How do you read this? What are they both thinking and how are they related? Partners or rival siblings?
Signed lower left and framed.
Medium: Oil on paper
Overall size: 25” x 32½” / 64cm x 82cm
Year of creation: c. 1910
Condition: Artwork presents well. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £43,600
John Da Costa trained in Paris under Gustave Boulanger and Jules Lefebvre. He exhibited at the Royal Academy, Royal Institute of Oil Painters, Salon de Artistes Français, in Paris, Berlin, Munich, Vienna, Rome, New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit and Baltimore. His works are held in numerous public collections including the Wellcome Collection, London, Royal Academy, and Penlee House Gallery & Museum.
Learn more about John Da Costa 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.
