An atmospheric early 19th-century landscape painting by British artist, Thomas Barker of Bath (1769-1847). It depicts three figures walking along a rough mountain track in the shadow of dramatic rocky scenery. An inscription on the reverse suggests that this could be The Dolomites in Italy. We particularly love the clouds, which are rendered beautifully.

Despite the name, Thomas Barker of Bath was actually born in Monmouthshire, Wales. From an early age, he demonstrated a canny ability for drawing landscapes and figures, which was probably aided by his father who was also a painter.

At sixteen, the family moved to Bath and he trained under the patronage of coach-builder, Charles Spackman. This gave him the opportunity to study the Dutch and Flemish masters.

His career flourished and he became a prolific exhibitor at the Royal Academy and the British Institution. Today, there are six works by Barker currently in the Tate Gallery, while The British Museum holds several drawings.

The painting is inscribed on the reverse and housed within a later frame.

Medium: Oil on board
Overall size: 22½” x 26½” / 57cm x 68cm
Year of creation: c. 1800
Provenance: Germany
Condition: A little craquelure. Frame with some wear.
Artist’s auction highlight: £22,000 achieved for ‘The Great Waterfall At Tivoli’ at Christie’s in 1994.