A charming Victorian oil on canvas by British painter, John Langstaffe (1849-1912). It’s a beautiful example of traditional British landscape painting from the late-19th-century.

On the right of the composition, we see three figures by a cottage with one resting on horseback. While another figure further on appears to be herding cattle towards a water meadow. In the distance, a series of undulating hills provide a picturesque backdrop to this idyllic rural scene.

Langstaffe’s approach is rooted in British romanticism and stems from John Constable’s passion for the countryside. He probably painted some of this outdoors before returning to his studio to add refinements.

The painting is signed in the lower right and housed within a pierced gilt frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 29” x 21” / 74cm x 53cm
Year of creation: c. 1890
Provenance: England
Condition: Craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some age-related wear.
Artist’s auction highlight: £1,100 achieved for ‘Country Landscape/Woodland Pool’ at Bonhams in 2001.