John Hardman

Early 19th Century sporting oil painting of a black horse

1812

George Turner British, (1843-1910) Near Tonge, Leicestershire Oil on canvas, signed Image size: 15.25 inches x 23.25 inches Size including frame: 22.75 inches x 30.75 inches A cha...

William Watson Jnr British, (1847-1921) Up Glen Goil, West Highlands Oil on canvas, signed & dated 1892, further inscribed verso Image size: 23.5 inches x 35.5 inches Size including frame: 36.25 inches x 48.25 inches This highly atmospheric and well executed painting by William Watson Jnr depicts Highland Cattle watering at Glen Goil. Glen Goil is a valley area of Argyll and Bute in the West Highlands. It is situated at the junction of Hell’s Glen and Gleann Mor and has the river Goil flowing through. Located around 2 miles from Lochgoilhead, it is well known as an area of outstanding natural beauty. Watson made several trips to the Highlands and produced a number of paintings of the locality, many of which included highland cattle such as this fine example. Another painting by him of Glen Goil is held by the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool. 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...

George Henry Laporte British, (1802-1873) Best of Friends Oil on canvas, signed & indistinctly dated Image size: 27.25 inches x 35.25 inches Size...

George Cole British, (1810-1883) Rick Making, Lunchtime Oil on canvas, signed & dated 1883 Image size: 23.5 inches x 35.5 inches Size including frame: 30.5 inches x 42.5 inches Prove...

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...

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...

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...

This painting depicts a pastoral scene that is attributed to the artist Jan Frans Soolmaker, an artist known for his Italianate landscapes and scenes that often feature equestrian and Arcadian elements. The painting is not signed but is attributed to Soolmaker, relating it to a known signed work by the artist that was sold at Sotheby’s London in 1999. The scene is suffused with the warm glow of a setting or rising sun, casting a soft light that is characteristic of Soolmaker’s landscapes. It shows a shepherd guiding a group of cattle across a shallow stream, with the animals taking center stage in the composition. The animals are rendered with careful attention to their forms and the play of light on their bodies, which is a hallmark of Soolmaker's work. The landscape is composed of a rocky terrain with trees and shrubbery, creating a sense of depth and natural beauty that invites the viewer to explore the scene further. The background suggests a vast, open landscape with distant mountains, which adds to the Italianate feel of the painting. The sky is dramatic, with clouds catching the light of the sun, contributing to the overall serene yet dynamic atmosphere of the work. The provenance of the painting is notable, having been in the possession of significant historical figures such as Swedish Prince Fredrik Adolf, and later The collection of Pär Ulmgren, The collection of Gösta Stenman, and Engineer and politician Gustaf Henry Hansson. Potential buyers have the option of choosing between a newly made gold frame or an older brown frame, which allows for personalization in how the work is presented. Soolmaker’s work is often compared to that of Dutch painter Nicolaes Berchem, whose style he emulated. Soolmaker's landscapes reflect a similar sensitivity to light and composition, making his works sought after for their beauty and historical significance. Despite the smaller body of work left by Soolmaker, due to his short career, his paintings are valued for their craftsmanship and the legacy of the artist’s brief but impactful contribution to the Dutch Italianate landscape genre. Information: Jan Frans Soolmaker (Flanders 1635‑1685) Shepherd with Sheep...