This charming mid-19th-century English oil painting depicts a river landscape with cattle. It’s similar to works by Suffolk artist Robert Burrows (1810-1883).

The son of a silversmith, Burrows spent the majority of his working life in the same trade while developing his artistic skills in his spare time. Possessed with a keen sense of the beautiful, his idyllic pastoral landscapes portray nature in a sentimental mood. His views were praised for their ‘effective’ and ‘natural’ state, married with a sense of harmony in composition and colouring. Indeed, there’s something akin to those by Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788).

In 1832, Burrows became a member of the Ipswich Society of Professional & Amateur Artists and is later cited as being its secretary. Other members included Samuel Read (1815-1883) and Robert Burcham Clamp (1794-1875), both of whom were tutored by Henry Davy (1793-1865). It’s plausible that this piece originated from the same group. 

Landscape painting was becoming increasingly popular in Britain during the mid-19th century, which led to the formation of numerous institutions and societies around the country. Each of these were keen to encourage artistic endeavour in local people who might otherwise not have had the chance. 

From about 1869 Burrows focused on art as a full-time pursuit, having already exhibited successfully at both the Royal Academy and the British Institution. A number of his works are displayed in Sudbury Town Hall and Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich.

Held in a later frame.

Learn more about Robert Burrows in our directory.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 23” x 23” / 59cm x 59cm
Year of creation: c. 1835
Provenance: Private collection, UK.
Condition: Cleaned. Old stretcher marks. Craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Areas of overpainting following an old restoration. Frame in excellent condition.
Our reference: BRV498