This mid-19th-century oil painting by British artist William Henry Pigott (1835-1901) depicts a Scottish loch with highland cattle.
A lake, enlivened with ripples of reflected light, bends around rugged scenery. Its light blue punctuated by darker tones before disappearing. In the foreground, several highland cattle wander amid scattered foliage - captured with a few deft marks.
Pigott’s modest approach to nature describes its various moods with humility. Note the gentle haze of tinted mists, which calms the imposing peaks. And the sinuous copse on the far left that guides the eye towards a veiled horizon. At every juncture, he seeks to underplay the power of this loch, while elevating its sense of abundant mystery.
Signed/dated lower right and held within a period gilt frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 27½” x 23½” / 70cm x 60cm
Year of creation: c. 1881
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £4,200
Our reference: BRV1450
William Henry Pigott trained initially as an engraver before later studying at the Sheffield College of Art. He exhibited extensively including at the Royal Academy, Royal Society of British Artists, Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour, Society of Watercolour Painters in Liverpool and the Sheffield Society of Artists where he was a member. He’s represented at Sheffield Museum.
Learn more about William Henry Pigott 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 often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
