Francis Sartorius

18th Century sporting horse portrait oil painting of a race horse and groom

C1780

William Luker Snr British, (1828-1905) Sheep in a Sussex Lane with Pevensey Bay in the distance Oil on canvas, signed & dated 1875 Image size: 17.25 inches x 25.25 inches Size including frame: 23.25 inches x 31.25 inches A tranquil landscape scene of a shepherd and his flock resting in a lane near Pevensey Bay, Sussex by William Luker. The ruins of Pevensey Castle can be seen in the distance with the sea beyond. William Luker Snr was born in 1828 at Faringdon, Berkshire to William and Jane Luker (née Charlwood). His father was a plumber and glazier by trade and the family lived at London Street in Faringdon. Little is known about his early education and it is believed for the most part he was self -taught. However, given the quality of his work and the fact that his family were able to keep a servant, he may well have received some artistic tuition. By the early 1850’s, he had begun earning a living as an artist by advertising in local directories, earning commissions from local landowners. He made his debut at the Royal Society of British Artists in 1851 and was a prolific exhibitor there for over 40 years. He began exhibiting at the Royal Academy in 1852 and also exhibited at the British Institution. He married the artist Ada Augusta Margetts (1839-1930) on 27 October 1864. Their eldest son William Luker Jnr (1867-1951) also became a well-known artist. The couple soon moved to London where they lived at 22 Gloucester Terrace, Campden Hill from where they both exhibited. From 1867, they lived at 15 Sheffield Terrace in Kensington until 1874 when they moved for the final time to 22 Notting Hill Square, later renamed Campden Hill Square in 1893. He died at Campden Hill-square on 28 February, 1905. Luker specialised in landscapes featuring animals such as sheep and cattle, horses and deer. He travelled around visiting areas such as Sussex, Buckinghamshire, Kent, Wales and the Highlands. However, he also made trips to Egypt and Libya producing a series of Oriental scenes in the early 1860’s. His works show a great attention to detail and his use of a lighter palette gives his subjects a luminous quality that instantly attracts the viewer. Examples of his paintings are held by the Atkinson Art Gallery, National Library of Wales, Newstead Abbey...

William Watson Jnr British, (1847-1921) On the Mountains, Loch Awe Oil on canvas, signed & dated 1892, further inscribed verso Image size: 12.5 inches x 18.5 inches Size including frame: 18.5 inches x 24.5 inches A wonderful painting of Highland sheep resting near Loch Awe by William Watson Jnr. Loch Awe is located in Argyll and Bute in the Scottish Highlands and this scene is taken from the mountain side overlooking the loch. William Watson was born in Islington in 1847, the son of the London miniature painter William John Watson (1810-1871) and his wife Caroline (née Butcher). His brothers Charles Watson (1837-1900) and Robert Watson (1855-1921) were also artists. His father seems to have travelled around and after spending time in Brighton, the family moved to Bransford Road in Worcester during the early part of the 1860’s. As well as being taught by his father, Watson received his early training in the studio of Sir Francis Grant PRA (1803-1878). He later became a pupil of Sir Edwin Henry Landseer RA (1802-1873) and Rosa Bonheur (1822–1899). Both Landseer and Bonheur had a great influence on his work and he began specialising in scenes of cattle and sheep. By 1866 he had become a full time artist and began exhibiting at the Royal Society of British Artists. Perhaps to take advantage of the inspiring scenery, Watson moved to Birkenhead, Cheshire where in 1871 he met and married Eleanor Davies who was from Caernarvonshire. Four of their children Sidney Watson (1881-1931), Caroline Ellen...

William Sidney Cooper British, (1854-1927) Cattle Watering near Canterbury Cathedral Oil on canvas, signed & dated 1923 Image size: 15.5 inches x ...

Henry H Parker British, (1858-1930) The River Lledr, Bettws-y-coed Oil on canvas, signed, further signed & inscribed verso Image size: 19.5 inches x 29.5 inc...

Charles Jones British, (1836-1892) Sheep by a Five Bar Gate Oil on panel, signed with monogram & dated (18)90, further inscribed verso Image size: 11.5 inches x 19 inches Size includ...

William Watson Jnr British, (1847-1921) Morning, Head of Glen Coe Oil on canvas, signed & dated 1897, further inscribed verso Image size: 12.5 inches x 18.5 inches Size including frame: 19.75 inches x 25.75 inches A superb Scottish landscape painting of Highland Sheep at the head of Glen Coe by William Watson. The sheep and their lambs are depicted grazing in the morning light with the dramatic mountains beyond. Glen Coe is a valley located in the Highlands to the North of the county of Argyll and close to the province of Lochaber. The area, which became infamous for the Massacre of Glencoe is one of Scotland’s most scenic Highland glens. William Watson was born in Islington in 1847, the son of the London miniature painter William John Watson (1810-1871) and his wife Caroline (née Butcher). His brothers Charles Watson (1837-1900) and Robert Watson (1855-1921) were also artists. His father seems to have travelled around and after spending time in Brighton, the family moved to Bransford Road in Worcester during the early part of the 1860’s. As well as being taught by his father, Watson received his early training in the studio of Sir Francis Grant PRA (1803-1878). He later became a pupil of Sir Edwin Henry Landseer RA (1802-1873) and Rosa Bonheur (1822–1899). Both Landseer and Bonheur had a great influence on his work and he began specialising in scenes of cattle and sheep. By 1866 he had become a full time artist and began exhibiting at the Royal Society of British Artists. Perhaps to take advantage of the inspiring scenery, Watson moved to Birkenhead, Cheshire where in 1871 he met and married Eleanor Davies who was from Caernarvonshire. Four of their children Sidney Watson (1881-1931), Caroline Ellen Watson (1871-1947), William Robert Charles Watson (1873-1928) and Walter James Watson...

Huge late 17th, early 18th century Italian Old master - A peacock doves and a duck holding flowers in a park landscape at sunset, attr. Angelo Maria Crivelli In a peaceful park land...

Depicting a peacock, a pheasant, a turkey and various other birds in a whimsical highland scene. Bearing an indistinct signature, In a later, egg and dart moulded giltwood frame. 59c...

The Military Encampment Dutch School, 17th century circle of Philips Wouwermans (Dutch 1619-1668) oil painting on canvas, in 18th century gilt frame canvas measures: 19.5 x 17 inches...

Pausing for a Rest English School, circa 1800 the painting is very close to the works of Thomas Barker of Bath (English 1769-1847) oil on canvas, framed framed: 29 x 39 inches canvas...

Jan Frans Soolmaker (Flanders 1635‑1685) Shepherd with Sheep, Cows and a Goat in a Landscape oil on relined canvas canvas size 56 x 53 cm frame i...

Provenance: The Marchesi Strozzi, Palazzo Strozzi, Florence Sale, Christie’s, London, May 20, 1993, lot 315, as by Carl Borromaus Andreas Ruthart...