This late 19th-century watercolour by Scottish artist John Smart RSA RSW (1838-1899) depicts the grounds of a Scottish mansion in the baronial style.
Rooted atop a lofty peak, a grand old building beams with neo-gothic splendour. Its symmetrical casements and baronial turrets gaze across a chasm of rugged scenery. But despite its presence, it's overshadowed by nature - buried in foliage and battered by the wind. Trees in the foreground tower above it, amplified with perspective.
Smart was a proud Scot, keen to convey not only the abundant beauty of his native land but also its unique character. He avoided contrivance in favour of rustic truths, selecting compositions which captured the Scotland he loved. Here, we see strength via a dignified house, partially obscured by wind-swept bushes. A verdant view rolling majestically beyond it.
He could’ve approached it differently, with the building more prominent, or the valley amplified. But his was a quiet power, imbued with modesty and elevated by the environment.
The location is unknown but Smart drew several Scottish mansions including Blair Drummond House.
Held within a later frame and glazed.
Medium: Watercolour on paper
Overall size: 36½” x 25” / 93cm x 64cm
Year of creation: 1874
Condition: Artwork presents well. A few marks and lighter areas. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £44,000
John Smart RSA RSW trained under Horatio McCulloch. He was a founder member of the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour and was elected to the Royal Scottish Academy where he exhibited hundreds of works between 1860 and 1899. He’s represented in various public collections including at the British Museum, National Trust for Scotland, Brodie Castle, Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture, Rozelle House Galleries, The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum, University of Edinburgh, Walker Art Gallery.
Learn more about John Smart RSA RSW 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 restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
