Farmyard Scene. Sir David Wilkie, 1785-1841. 1815. Oil on panel, 5 x 8 ½ inches (12.7 x 21.5 cm.) Signed and dated 1815 on verso. Provenance: Purchased from the artist by General Sir James Gordon; his son Sir Henry Gordon; his daughter Julia Gordon; her grandson the Hon. John Leith; his wife Mrs Jock Leith; sold by her executors in Edinburgh, 1980; Private collection, Scotland. [Click on image to enlarge it.]
Though his work is detailed, Wilkie’s controlled use of colour and confident handling prevents his pictures being overworked. His strength in genre scenes is not only in the depiction of relationships between the people and scenes but also in the rendering of their individualities. This is reflected in Farmyard Scene where even the sheep seem to have distinct faces and characters. With its deft draughtsmanship and the paint’s creamy texture and mellow palette, this small picture provides a charming insight into Wilkie’s wider talent. — The Fine Art Society 2014
Bibliography
The Fine Art Society 2014. Exhibition Catalogue. Edinburgh: Bourne Fine Art; London: The Fine Art Society, 2014. No. 47.
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Last modified 31 May 2014