Alfred Walter Williams, Barmouth Sands, North Wales, Antique Oil Painting

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This late 19th-century oil painting by British artist Alfred Walter Williams (1824-1905) depicts an expansive view across Barmouth Sands in North Wales.

The relaxed golden sands stretch lazily towards distant peaks where the mountains meet the sea and the sky hangs still. Cattle doze.

Alfred Walter Williams travelled here from his home in Surrey, probably by train, to explore the endless inspiration afforded by North Wales. His older brother Sidney Richard Percy (1821-1886) had passed away a year prior and it’s interesting to consider whether he thought of him when exploring the area. Percy had visited Barmouth on several occasions.

The view is particularly tranquil with the cows providing the only signs of life. However, at this point in time, Barmouth was a popular seaside destination so Williams has carefully selected this picturesque view.

The composition is a particular success. Note how it leads us from the sandy track in the foreground, past the restful cattle, and slowly down towards the beach.

Signed/dated lower right and held within a later frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 41½” x 29½” / 106cm x 75cm

Year of creation: 1887

Labels & Inscriptions: Gallery label on reverse. Geo Rowney & Co supplier’s stamp.

Provenance: Private collection, England.

Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.

Artist’s auction maximum: £23,763

Physical Dimensions

Height

75cm (29.53")

Width

106cm (41.73")

Depth

6cm (2.36")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1147040

Description

This late 19th-century oil painting by British artist Alfred Walter Williams (1824-1905) depicts an expansive view across Barmouth Sands in North Wales.

“

The relaxed golden sands stretch lazily towards distant peaks where the mountains meet the sea and the sky hangs still.

Brave Fine Art

Cattle doze.

fig 1. Alfred Walter Williams, Barmouth Sands, North Wales, Antique Oil Painting

Alfred Walter Williams travelled here from his home in Surrey, probably by train, to explore the endless inspiration afforded by North Wales. His older brother Sidney Richard Percy (1821-1886) had passed away a year prior and it’s interesting to consider whether he thought of him when exploring the area. Percy had visited Barmouth on several occasions.

fig 2. Alfred Walter Williams, Barmouth Sands, North Wales, Antique Oil Painting

The view is particularly tranquil with the cows providing the only signs of life. However, at this point in time, Barmouth was a popular seaside destination so Williams has carefully selected this picturesque view.

fig 3. Alfred Walter Williams, Barmouth Sands, North Wales, Antique Oil Painting

The composition is a particular success. Note how it leads us from the sandy track in the foreground, past the restful cattle, and slowly down towards the beach.

Signed/dated lower right and held within a later frame.