This late 19th-century oil painting by Dutch artist Joseph Thors (1835-1920) depicts a rugged landscape with a cottage, pond and distant windmill.
Tucked away in a battered windswept copse, a rustic cottage is sheltered from the elements. Overhead, the clouds pass rapidly with ominous darkness blowing in from the right. Sinuous grasses lean by a rippling pond.
Thors hailed from The Netherlands but moved to London early in life to pursue a career in the arts. Inspired by the Dutch Old Masters, such as Meindert Hobbema (1638-1709), he brought a sturdiness to the British rural idyll - capturing picturesque views with a spirited touch.
His output was extraordinary and he was one of the most proficient Victorian landscape artists. However, his larger works, such as this, are less common and, as such, it’s a noteworthy example. It was previously in the collection at the Royal Exchange Gallery in London.
Signed/dated lower left and held within a gilt frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 41” x 29” / 104cm x 74cm
Year of creation: c. 1870
Labels & Inscriptions: Gallery label on reverse.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £13,000
Dutch artist Joseph Thors is predominantly known for his rugged naturalistic landscapes, which are rooted in the rich artistic heritage of his homeland. Seemingly an autodidact, his style emerged from studying the 17th-century old masters. Born in Amsterdam, he moved to the United Kingdom early in life and spent many decades in London, where he raised a family. During his lengthy career, he produced a vast array of works and over 1,100 are recorded in auction databases. They are often characterised by cottages, rivers, robust topography, and mothers with children. His works are held in numerous public collections.
Learn more about Joseph Thors 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.
