Depicted Side-On with Head Turned in a Stylised Landscape Oils on Artists Board English, c.1880
15.75" high x 28" wide (framed)
Provenance: English Private Collection
Painted in oils on artists board, this prize livestock portrait of a British White Bull comes from an English Private Collection and was sourced from animal paintings specialists, Iona antiques in the late 1980's. It is in good condition, having been cleaned and fully conserved by Iona Antiques in the 1980's and is presented in an ebonised moulded frame with gilt slip. In the best naive tradition, the beast fills most of the frame and there is evidence of fine craquelure to the surface, particularly to the white of the bull, the landscape background is rudimentary and naively executed, whilst the Bull is shown four square, almost in silhouette, with a slightly turned head. There is an almost humorous, somewhat solemn, presence to the animal and composition, which is immediately engaging and joyful. A classic late nineteenth century prize livestock portrait from the British tradition.
