Attrib. Harry Fidler RBA (1856-1935) - Very Fine Late 19th Century Oil Hay Cart

Description

A very finely executed impressionist style oil painting of a hay cart with a horse and a figure in a woodland setting. The painting features a rich colour palette, loose brushstrokes, and striking tones. It is very well presented in a vintage effect gilt frame with a linen slip. We have attributed this painting to Harry Fidler as the style and subject matter is typical of his oeuvre.The artist's name has also been inscribed on the reverse. Inscribed on the reverse.On board.

Condition

In fine condition. Inspection under UV light reveals no restoration. Minor scuffs and paint losses to edges of frame. Slight widening to corner joints.

Size

41 x 56.5cm (16.1" x 22.2")
Framed Size: 55.5 x 71cm (21.9" x 28")

Artist Biography

Harry Fidler RBA ROI (1856–1935) was a British painter known for including farm animals and especially horses in his impressionistic paintings, typically using heavy impasto. He married Laura Clunas (d. 1936), who was an artist with a similar style.

Filder was born in Tisbury, Wiltshire, and was the son of a farmer. By 1891, Harry Fidler first studied painting at the Salisbury Art School which was two years prior to his joining the Herkomer Art School at Bushey in 1893. Here he met and later married fellow art student Laura Clunas, a portrait and still-life painter of considerable stature. After completing his formal training, Fidler exhibited at the Royal Academy when his address was given as, 'Near Andover, Hampshire'. Some of his oil paintings were also exhibited at the Chenil Gallery, Goupil Gallery, Arlington Gallery, ISSPG, Royal Academy, Royal Society of British Artists, New English Art Club, Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours, Royal Institute of Oil Painters, Walker Art Gallery, Paris Salon.Grundy Art Gallery and the STISA. Fidler was elected RBA in 1919 and ROI in 1921 and was also a member of the Ipswich Art Club and the St. Ives Arts Club with his wife. A painting entitled 'Waiting for Herring, St.Ives' was reproduced in Colour Magazine, March 1918. A joint memorial exhibition with his wife was held at the Arlington Gallery, London in 1936.

His work is characterised by the abundant use of oil impasto and is represented in the collections of art galleries in Wanganui, Timaru and Nelson in New Zealand, Bradford Museums and Galleries, Bury Art Gallery, Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council, Derby Museum and Art Gallery, Grundy Art Gallery, Leamington Spa Art Gallery, Newport Art Gallery, Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, Oldham Art Gallery, Perth Museum and Art Gallery, Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Rochdale Arts & Heritage Service and Watford Museum.