Follower of Richard Wilson, 19th century

English school of the 19th century. Follower of RICHARD WILSON (Penegoes, Montgomeryshire, 1714 - Denbighshire, 1782).
"Landscape with figures by the lake".
Oil on canvas.
With apocryphal signature with initials in the lower right corner.
With period frame.
Measurements: 45 x 60 cm; 51 x 66 cm (frame).

The work in bidding follows the models of Richard Wilson, one of the most important British landscape painters of the 18th century. He drew much of his inspiration for his work from the imaginary landscape painting of Claude Lorrain. In this work we see a placid nature captured with attention to detail and naturalism. The landscape is brought to life and animated by the characters that are splashed in the foreground.

Richard Wilson studied in London with Thomas Wright. He managed to portray the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York. In 1755 he returned to England, and became one of the first English landscape painters. He exhibited at the Society of Artists in 1760. When the Royal Academy of Arts was established in 1768 he was one of the original members, and was a regular contributor to its exhibitions until 1780. He was not a popular artist during his lifetime. However, after his death, his fame grew and in 1814 about 70 of his works were exhibited at the British Institution. Currently part of his work is preserved in the National Gallery.