Frederick Henry Henshaw, a Gypsy Encampment - Antique Oil Painting

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This robust mid-19th-century oil painting by British painter Frederick Henry Henshaw (1807-1891) depicts a gypsy encampment within a deep wooded area. It’s typically Victorian and rendered with the confidence of an established Academy artist.

On the left, a channel of light illuminates several figures resting by a blazing fire. Smoke rises, twisting and taken by the breeze. While on the right, two trees strike impressive vertical forms as they emerge from a riverbank. The beauty of the natural world with all its gnarled imperfections.

The Victorians generally had an overly-romanticised view of gypsy life, derived primarily through literature. Several artists portrayed gypsies as representing an escape from typical societal constraints. Living free and basing all decisions upon emotional response without restraint. Being truly at one with nature.

Here, Henshaw used the landscape itself to echo that sentiment - he creates a composition that reinforces the bucolic fantasy. Note the contrast between sky and woodland to add spaciousness and a sense of escape. And the passages of rugged brushwork, which enhance character.

Frederick Henry Henshaw was a consummate professional and a regular at the Royal Academy of Arts. In 1844, when this was created, he was living in Small Heath, Birmingham.

Please note that this painting will need to be crated if shipped overseas. A cost for the crate will be added on during checkout.

Learn more about Frederick Henry Henshaw in our directory.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 33½” x 38½” / 85cm x 98cm

Year of creation: 1844

Condition: Artwork presents well. Craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.

Artist’s auction highlight: £9,000 achieved for an oil painting in 1993.

Physical Dimensions

Height

98cm (38.58")

Width

85cm (33.46")

Depth

7cm (2.76")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA897534

Description

fig 1. Frederick Henry Henshaw, A Gypsy Encampment - Antique Oil Painting — fig 1. Frederick Henry Henshaw, a Gypsy Encampment - Antique Oil Painting

On the left, a channel of light illuminates several figures resting by a blazing fire. Smoke rises, twisting and taken by the breeze. While on the right, two trees strike impressive vertical forms as they emerge from a riverbank. The beauty of the natural world with all its gnarled imperfections.

“

The Victorians generally had an overly-romanticised view of gypsy life, derived primarily through literature.

Brave Fine Art

Several artists portrayed gypsies as representing an escape from typical societal constraints. Living free and basing all decisions upon emotional response without restraint. Being truly at one with nature.

fig 2. Frederick Henry Henshaw, A Gypsy Encampment - Antique Oil Painting — fig 2. Frederick Henry Henshaw, a Gypsy Encampment - Antique Oil Painting

Here, Henshaw used the landscape itself to echo that sentiment - he creates a composition that reinforces the bucolic fantasy. Note the contrast between sky and woodland to add spaciousness and a sense of escape. And the passages of rugged brushwork, which enhance character.

fig 3. Frederick Henry Henshaw, A Gypsy Encampment - Antique Oil Painting — fig 3. Frederick Henry Henshaw, a Gypsy Encampment - Antique Oil Painting

Frederick Henry Henshaw was a consummate professional and a regular at the Royal Academy of Arts. In 1844, when this was created, he was living in Small Heath, Birmingham.

Please note that this painting will need to be crated if shipped overseas. A cost for the crate will be added on during checkout.