Stock Code: 2123 - SOLD

Description: A delightful study of sheep and cattle in Canterbury meadows at noon and the evening, painted as a pair with the fine detail and attentive eye of one of the 19th century's greatest animal painters - Thomas Sidney Cooper.

Further Information: Born in Canterbury in 1803, his early life was marred by poverty. He was educated at the RA schools, where he was encouraged by Sir Thomas Lawrence. In 1827 he moved to Brussels where he taught art. It was at this time he met the animal painter Eugene Verboeckhoven, who strongly influenced his work. In 1831 Cooper returned to London, and he first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1833, before the accession of Queen Victoria, and exhibited his last picture a year after her death in 1902, a very long career. His works can be found in many British Galleries including the Tate in London. Cooper became ARA in 1845, and a member of the RA in 1867. He was like many other artists of that time; a tremendously hard worker and ultimately became very financially successful.

This pair, although painted in his old age, have all the life, vitality and detail which is the hallmark of Cooper's very best works. The paintings are executed on artist board which retains the remnants of the original artist's labels written in Cooper's own handwriting.

Condition: Excellent. The paintings have been lightly cleaned and fitted with a new English made giltwood and gesso swept frame.

Country of Origin: England

Artist & Painting: Thomas Sidney Cooper R.A. (1803 - 1902) "Canterbury Meadows" - (a pair). Signed and dated 1886 lower right. Oil on artist board.

Provenance: J H Egginton Esq, by repute thence by descent to the Twemlow family, Peatswood House, Shropshire. Laterly private collection Lavenham, Suffolk.

Signed: T Sidney Cooper 1886 (lower right)

Dimensions of Canvas: Height 12.00 inches (30.48cm) Width 9.00 inches (22.86cm)