This charming mid-19th-century oil painting by British artist Richard Hilder (1813-1852) depicts a landscape with cottage, storm clouds and seated figures. It was shown posthumously at the Yorkshire Fine Art Exhibition of 1879.
Under a busy glowering sky, two travellers sit awhile, passing time with conversion. A storm seems imminent so perhaps they’re discussing their options. Beyond, a rustic cottage is nestled into foliage, before sharply illuminated fields and hills.
Born in Holborn, London, Hilder’s artistic career flourished early and, by the age of 19, he was exhibiting at the Society of British Artists in London. It’s conceivable that he was introduced to the delights of landscape painting by his father, a broker, as this branch of art was becoming increasingly popular with middle-class patrons.
Stylistically, his oeuvre draws upon the mastery of the 17th-century Dutch and Flemish painters, particularly in terms of composition, earthy tones, and extensive chiaroscuro. It’s broadly natural but with an added sense of rugged drama. In this respect, it’s interesting to consider the works of Jan Wijnants (c.1635-1684) and Gillis Peeters (1612-1653).
Hilder portrayed rural life as unchangeable and permanent, which was a welcome relief amid the realities of increasing industrialisation. He’s represented in numerous public collections including at the Walker Art Gallery, Manchester Art Gallery, and Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum.
Held within an early 19th-century gilt frame with s-scrolling rails, scrolling foliate, and rocaille corners/centres, which is probably original.
Learn more about Richard Hilder in our directory.
Medium: Oil on panel
Overall size: 21” x 16½” / 53cm x 42cm
Year of creation: c. 1840
Labels & Inscriptions: Yorkshire Fine Art Exhibition (1879) label on reverse.
Provenance: John Singleton (1879) / Private collection, Germany.
Exhibited: Yorkshire Fine Art Exhibition, May 1879.
Condition: Cleaned. Craquelure in areas. The paint layer is stable. Frame with various marks and showing its age.
Artist’s auction maximum: £5,800 for ‘A Cottage with Figures and Livestock by a River, Surrey’, Oil on canvas, Sotheby's, Important British Paintings, London, 2008 (lot 99).
Our reference: BRV2020