Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1870s.
Rooted atop a lofty peak, a grand old building beams with neo-gothic splendour. Its symmetrical casements and baronial turrets gaze across a chasm of rugged scenery. But despite its presence, it's overshadowed by nature - buried in foliage and battered by the wind. Trees in the foreground tower above it, amplified with perspective.
He avoided contrivance in favour of rustic truths, selecting compositions which captured the Scotland he loved. Here, we see strength via a dignified house, partially obscured by wind-swept bushes. A verdant view rolling majestically beyond it.
He could’ve approached it differently, with the building more prominent, or the valley amplified. But his was a quiet power, imbued with modesty and elevated by the environment.
The location is unknown but Smart drew several Scottish mansions including Blair Drummond House.
Held within a later frame and glazed.
Medium: Watercolour on paper
Overall size: 36½” x 25” / 93cm x 64cm
Year of creation: 1874
Condition: Artwork presents well. A few marks and lighter areas. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £44,000
John Smart RSA RSW trained under Horatio McCulloch. He was a founder member of the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour and was elected to the Royal Scottish Academy where he exhibited hundreds of works between 1860 and 1899. He’s represented in various public collections including at the British Museum, National Trust for Scotland, Brodie Castle, Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture, Rozelle House Galleries, The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum, University of Edinburgh, Walker Art Gallery.
Learn more about John Smart RSA RSW in our directory.
Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1870s.
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John Smart Rsa Rsw, the Grounds of a Scottish Baronial Mansion - Watercolour
