Sheep in a Lane
£9,950
‘Sheep in a Lane’ by John Linnell (1792-1882).
The painting is signed by the artist and dated 1863. It is listed in the definitive catalogue of Linnell’s known works compiled by the artist’s biographer Alfred Story in 1892.
John Linnell exhibited at the Royal Academy from the age of 15 and despite success as a portraitist, it was as a painter of poetical landscapes that gained him greatest acclaim. Unfortunately, his enormous popularity also earned him considerable jealousy, not least from John Constable who was always keen to spread malicious and unfounded gossip about his rival.
In addition, Linnell’s entirely reasonable sense of self-worth and unwillingness to fawn over wealthy patrons (and to ensure they paid promptly for the paintings they had commissioned) was seen as impudence by the gentry and delayed his election as a Royal Academician. By the time the Academy was shamed into finally recognising him, Linnell, by then Britain’s most popular painter, turned down the belated invitation to apply for membership with typical poise.
As a landscape artist Linnell was considered second only to JMW Turner. Upon his death in 1882, The Times obituary lamented that 'a glory seems to have faded from the domain of British Art. England mourns John Linnell, the most powerful of landscape painters since Turner died'.
Between 1807 and 1881 John Linnell exhibited 177 paintings at the Royal Academy, and 92 at the British Institution. During his long career John Linnell was a patron and financial supporter of both William Blake and Samuel Palmer and without him neither artist’s reputation would be so elevated as it is today.
Academy Fine Paintings only offers artwork for sale in the finest condition it can be for its age, having been professionally cleaned, conserved, and re-varnished. Clients should also note that tracked and signed for international shipping is complimentary.
Dimensions: (framed) 68cm x 89cm (26¾” x 35”)
Dimensions: (canvas only) 49½cm x 71½cm (19½” x 28¼”)
Medium: Oil on canvas.
Provenance: 1892; ‘The Life & Work of John Linnell’ by A.T. Story. Private UK collection.
Presentation: Fine quality gold metal leaf frame.
Condition: Very good. Professionally cleaned, restored, and re-varnished. Ready to hang.