19th-century English School, Oil Study with Cattle Drovers - Antique Oil Painting

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This charming mid-19th-century oil study on panel depicts a river landscape with cattle and distant mountains. It’s probably a view on the continent, perhaps the Rhine Valley.

The artist would have studied this from nature and worked directly on this small panel while observing the scene before them. Later, when back in their studio, they could’ve used this as a guide for producing a larger finished work. Often panels were reused but this one has survived intact.

Note how the light is suggested with small dabs of white, for instance on the sails and distant cattle. While the tonal changes are overemphasised, ready to be considered in more depth later on.

During the mid-19th century, artists were particularly encouraged to study outdoors and capture the fleeting effects of weather. Art critic John Ruskin was adamant that, only by being among nature, could a work represent something meaningful.

“Art is not a study of positive reality, it is the seeking for ideal truth.”

This small painting provides a glimpse into the painter’s mind. The composition is masterful and it’s clearly by a well-trained hand.

Held within a splendid gilt Baroque-revival frame.

Medium: Oil on panel

Overall size: 10” x 8” / 26cm x 21cm

Year of creation: c. 1850

Condition: Artwork presents well. Areas of overpaint. Often, when studies were discovered after the death of an artist, an unhelpful chancer would add a few flourishes to convey a sense of completeness. Frame with some light wear.

Physical Dimensions

Height

21cm (8.27")

Width

26cm (10.24")

Depth

3cm (1.18")

Declaration

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

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA943410

Description

This charming mid-19th-century oil study on panel depicts a river landscape with cattle and distant mountains. It’s probably a view on the continent, perhaps the Rhine Valley.

“

The artist would have studied this from nature and worked directly on this small panel while observing the scene before them.

Brave Fine Art

Later, when back in their studio, they could’ve used this as a guide for producing a larger finished work. Often panels were reused but this one has survived intact.

fig 1. 19th-Century English School, Oil Study With Cattle Drovers - Antique Oil Painting — fig 1. 19th-century English School, Oil Study with Cattle Drovers - Antique Oil Painting

Note how the light is suggested with small dabs of white, for instance on the sails and distant cattle. While the tonal changes are overemphasised, ready to be considered in more depth later on.

During the mid-19th century, artists were particularly encouraged to study outdoors and capture the fleeting effects of weather. Art critic John Ruskin was adamant that, only by being among nature, could a work represent something meaningful.

fig 2. 19th-Century English School, Oil Study With Cattle Drovers - Antique Oil Painting — fig 2. 19th-century English School, Oil Study with Cattle Drovers - Antique Oil Painting

“Art is not a study of positive reality, it is the seeking for ideal truth.”

This small painting provides a glimpse into the painter’s mind. The composition is masterful and it’s clearly by a well-trained hand.

fig 3. 19th-Century English School, Oil Study With Cattle Drovers - Antique Oil Painting — fig 3. 19th-century English School, Oil Study with Cattle Drovers - Antique Oil Painting

Held within a splendid gilt Baroque-revival frame.

Medium: Oil on panel

Overall size: 10” x 8” / 26cm x 21cm

Year of creation: c. 1850

Condition: Artwork presents well. Areas of overpaint. Often, when studies were discovered after the death of an artist, an unhelpful chancer would add a few flourishes to convey a sense of completeness. Frame with some light wear.