This early 20th-century oil painting by Scottish artist William Barr (1867-1933) depicts the gentle radiance of a sunset over his home town of Paisley in Scotland.
Amid a sleepy haze of pinkish tints, the gothic-revival steeple of Coats Paisley towers over the skyline. Built around 25 years prior, this Victorian marvel enlivens the view with its appealing form. While above, a clutch of blushing clouds echoes the dapples of trees below to create a diagonal line of interest.
Barr’s skilful design brings three areas to explore - the sky, with its sublime gradient from blue-green to pink, the land in warm orange tones, and the jagged skyline, set behind a terrace. He probably painted this en plein air, among the grazing sheep who looked on with curiosity.
Barr’s style evolved noticeably following his period in Paris at the Académie Julian. Inspired by the emerging avant-garde, he began to approach landscape painting a little differently - with a greater emphasis on tone. This transformative phase ultimately led to California, settling among patrons with an appreciation of his work. The American tonalist John Henry Twachtman (1853-1902) also trained at the Académie and was perhaps an inspiration.
Signed in the lower right and held within a gilt frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 31½” x 25½” / 80cm x 65cm
Year of creation: c. 1910
Condition: Artwork presents well. Restored. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £5,384
Barr trained at the Paisley School of Art and Design, Glasgow School of Art, South Kensington School of Art, London, and the Académie Julian in Paris. He’s represented at the Paisley Museum.
Learn more about William Barr 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.
