Dimensions
Frame 21.5 inches wide and 18 inches high. The painting/aperture is 15.5 inches wide and 12 inches high.
Full Description
Thomas Christopher Hofland trained under John Rathbone and is renowned for his idyllic pastoral views of the British Isles, its country houses, priories, abbeys, castles and rural life.
He taught art at Kew and painted many landscapes of London.
Born in Worksop in 1777 he was a founder of the Society of British Artists and exhibited more than 100 works. In his sixties he travelled to Europe on the Grand Tour and stayed in Italy, painting scenes of Rome and Naples. He died in England in 1843.
This beautiful landscape dates from c. 1810 and is oil on board with original giltwood and gesso fine frame and with its original cartouche giving his name.
The painting is exceptionally well executed and in superb original condition. It depicts a bucolic landscape of cows and sheep grazing at the edge of a lake below a hill with castle ruins, possibly near to Bolton Priory but I would love to know a firm location if you recognise it. The farmer rests on his staff whilst his trusty dog rests in the background.
The colours remain bright and rich and the paint surface is stable and in excellent condition with only light craquelure consistent with age.
Rathbone was a contemporary of George Moreland and with all three artists there is much similarity of subject and – particularly between Rathbone and Hofland - of technique.
A really fine quality painting which draws you in to the scene. Both painting and frame in superior condition for age.
Beautiful and ready to hang. Would make a wonderful and exclusive gift.
