Pair of Magnificent Large Highland Scene Oil Paintings by Robert Cleminson (1844-1903)

A young drover guiding Highland cattle, blackface sheep and lambs in a

Highland scene

One showing a drover guiding Highland cattle and blackface sheep and lambs

in a Highland scene with a lake and croft in the distant background.

Magnificent realistic definition of the animals and the background landscape

and plants, and birds in the cloudy sky. The painting, in its original gilt

frame with a gilded slip is in excellent condition with no evidence of

restoration of the painting.

Frame 153 cm wide, 101 cm tall, 9 cm deep. Paintings 128cm wide and 76 cm

tall.

A Royal Red Deer Stag and Two Hinds Observing a Distant Stag in a Highland

Scene

This painting shows a stag with 12-point antlers (a Royal Stag) and two

hinds on alert because of a nearby further stag. Outstanding, realistic

depictions of the deer reminiscent of Landseer's Monarch of the Glen and

wonderfully painted foliage and background with purple heather and flights

of birds in the sky. The painting, in its original gilt frame with gilded

slip is in excellent condition with no evidence of restoration.

Frame 153 cm wide, 101 cm tall, 9 cm deep. Paintings 128cm wide and 76 cm

tall.

Robert Cleminson (1844-1903) was a renowned Victorian sporting artist best

known for his realistic oil paintings of animals, particularly sporting

dogs, Highland game, and deer set within dramatic Scottish highland

landscapes. Active from around 1864 until his death, Cleminson developed a

strong reputation for his exceptional brushwork and ability to capture

realistic movement and atmosphere in his paintings. Cleminson's works are

valued for combining Victorian sporting art with romantic Highland scenery,

making him an important figure in 19th-century British animal and sporting

painting traditions

Cleminson was heavily influenced by Sir Edwin Landseer, Queen Victoria's

favourite artist and creator of the famous painting The Monarch of the Glen.

A royal red deer and two hinds observing a distant stag in a Highland scene

reflects Landseer's influence, particularly in its majestic depiction of

Highland deer and atmospheric scenery.

He exhibited many paintings at the British Institution in London (a rival

institution to the Royal Academy), and at the Society of British Artists in

Suffolk Street, London. His Highland paintings were popular during his

lifetime, due to the resurgence in interest in the Highlands, including due

to Royal Family and Balmoral Castle interest and his paintings continue to

be very popular to the present time.

These two paintings demonstrate Cleminson's remarkable attention to detail,

from his realistic treatment of the red deer and the farm animals, the

texture of the grass and heather to distant birds. The subject of the "Royal

Stag" refers to a stag with an even twelve-point antler formation,

traditionally regarded as a symbol of maturity and nobility in deer stalking

culture and conveys both strength and vitality.