This late 19th-century oil painting by British artist John Horace Hooper (1851-1906) depicts a winding river with copse and solitary angler.
Tranquillity, the whispers of tremulous reeds, the gentle glow of golden light, birdsong and little else. Hooper’s escape, his quiet nirvana. He favoured these wide panoramas with their low horizons. Illuminated water shimmering in silvery greys. Trees peppering the banks, enlivened with chiaroscuro.
Here, the view is so low that he’s probably on a boat. He visited The Thames often but also the Fens and Norfolk Broads. It seems plausible that, much like his contemporary, George Vicat Cole, he traversed the waterways on a punt. Completing much of his work outdoors.
The brushwork is vigorous yet the mood is decidedly restful.
Signed/dated lower right and held within a later frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 37” x 23” / 94cm x 58cm
Year of creation: c. 1880
Condition: Artwork presents well. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Canvas relined. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £5,614
John Horace Hooper was an accomplished British landscape painter working predominantly in oils. He was born in Manchester but spent most of his career in London.
Learn more about John Horace Hooper 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.
