Stock Code: 1654 - SOLD
Description: Gathering the Sheep is a wonderful atmospheric study of highland shepherds and their dogs bringing a flock sheep home for shearing, set amidst a colourful and atmospheric back drop of a Scottish glen in early summer, painted by renowned animal, sporting and landscape artist Richard Ansdell.
Further Information: Born in Liverpool in 1815, Ansdell painted a wide range of animal subjects, sporting scenes and romantic narrative pictures. He was influenced by and rivalled Sir Edwin Landseer in the variety of his subject-matter and the detailed finish of his paintings, but instead of Landseer's taste for the sentimental and dramatic, concentrated on immaculately executed true to life scenes. Richard trained at the Liverpool Academy, where he was elected President in 1845, moving to West Kensington in 1847, exhibiting at the Royal Academy from 1840 to 1885 and at the British Institution from 1846 to 1865. Ansdell collaborated with several artists during his career, including John Phillip, with whom he travelled in Spain in 1856; Thomas Creswick, and William Powell Frith, with whom he produced scenes of rural genre. Among Ansdell's most important patrons were the Earl of Sefton (for whom he painted The Waterloo Cup Coursing Meeting), the Earl of Derby, Earl Spencer and the Marquis of Bute. In 1861 Ansdell built a large house and studio called Starr Hills outside Lytham. During this period he also spent much time at a lodge on Loch Laggan where he painted many Highland scenes. Towards the end of his life he lived at Collingwood Tower, Farnborough, Hants, where he died in 1885. Gathering the Sheep was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1882 No.677
Condition: Excellent. The painting has been lightly cleaned.
Country of Origin: England
Artist & Painting: Richard Ansdell R.A. (1815-1885), British - "Gathering the Sheep" - signed & dated 1881 Oil on canvas in a new traditionally crafted giltwood composition frame.
Provenance: Exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1882 (exhibit number 677), thence from a private institution in London
Maker: Richard Ansdell R.A.
Signed: R Ansdell and dated 1881 (lower right)
Dimensions of Canvas: Height 30.00 inches (76.20cm) Width 60.00 inches (152.40cm)