John Adam Houston (1812-1884) - 1876 Watercolour Haycart in the Hills

Description

A tranquil and evocative landscape study depicting rural farm life in a mountainous setting. In the foreground, a lone worker pulls a hay cart, while distant figures labour quietly across the fields. Delicately and confidently executed, this romantic interpretation of the countryside exemplifies the refinement and sensitivity characteristic of 19th century watercolour painting. Presented in a fine acanthus leaf running pattern frame with a washline mount and gilt inner. Signed and dated to the lower right. On watercolour paper.

Condition

The condition is typical for a picture of this age including some discolouration and minor foxing. There are marks and scuffs to the frame but this is minor.

Size

28 x 44cm (11.0" x 17.3")
Framed Size: 60 x 75cm (23.6" x 29.5")

Artist Biography

John Adam Houston was born in 1812 in North Wales to Scottish parents. In the late 1820s, he studied in Edinburgh under Sir William Allan and was greatly influenced by Sir David Wilkie, one of the great figures of Scottish painting in the early nineteenth century.Houston's style incorporates the gusto and richness of the Scottish Realist school with contrasting warm colours and deep areas of shadow. He specialised in historical and genre painting and regularly exhibited in London and Edinburgh.