This early 20th-century oil painting by British artist Owen Bowen (1873-1967) depicts a picturesque view on the River Wharfe in Yorkshire.
Imbued with an irrepressible spirit, Bowen approached his works with confidence and dexterity. By 19, he’d already opened a flourishing painting school and been shown at the Royal Academy. This despite his father’s wishes.
Here, we see a radiant autumnal view of Wharfedale, one of his regular haunts. The composition is masterful with the shimmering river creating a diagonal towards the arches of a prominent bridge. Around it, the foliage is rendered in a veritable patchwork of tones - from the bushes in the foreground, darkened by shade, to the rolling pasture on the horizon, enlivened by light.
Bowen was a rare kind of artist who possessed abundant natural talent and never wavered from his approach or style. He continued to work into his 90s, still blessed with a sense of youthful exuberance.
Signed in the lower left and held within a splendid frame with ornate corner and centre ornamentation.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 29” x 25” / 74cm x 64cm
Year of creation: c. 1925
Labels & Inscriptions: Gallery label on reverse.
Provenance: Private collection, England.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £6,600
Owen Bowen trained at the Leeds School of Art under William Gilbert Foster. He exhibited extensively including at the Walker Art Gallery, Royal Academy and the The Royal Institute of Oil Painters. He’s represented at various museums including at Leeds, Harrogate, Kirklees and Bradford among others.
Learn more about Owen Bowen ROI 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.
