Patrick Nasmyth (1787-1831) - Early 19th Century Oil Up the Winding Path

Description

A finely detailed landscape scene by the artist Patrick Nasmyth (1787-1831) depicting a lone figure on a wooded path, before a quaint little cottage. The artist perfectly captures the serenity of the scene and the idealism of rural life. Unsigned. Original label verso with attribution from the artist's sister Charlotte Nasmyth. Beautifully presented in an ornate gilt frame with shell and acanthus ornaments. On panel.

Condition

Fine craquelure throughout. Light discolouration to the varnish. Minor abrasions, notably to the left. Some warping to the panel. Inspection under UV light reveals no apparent signs of restoration. Overall the artwork is in very good condition for its age. Some wear to the frame, including scuffs, and fine cracking throughout. The frame has undergone previous restoration work, including a fill to the lower right corner ornament. Overall the frame is in good condition for its age.

Size

19 x 26.6cm (7.5" x 10.5")
Framed Size: 30 x 37cm (11.8" x 14.6")

Artist Biography

Patrick Nasmyth, the eldest son of Alexander Nasmyth (1758- 1840), who was celebrated as the father of Scottish landscape painting. He was named after his father’s friend Patrick Miller of Dalswinton. Trained in the fundamentals of drawing and painting by his father, he relocated to London in 1807 to pursue his artistic career. Nasmyth faced significant health challenges throughout his life. An early injury to his right hand forced him to master drawing with his left, and a childhood illness left him partially deaf, contributing to his quiet and introspective character. Despite these obstacles, he developed a distinctive artistic voice, focusing primarily on the rural scenery of the Home Counties. Deeply influenced by Dutch seventeenth-century masters - particularly Meindert Hobbema - his work earned him the affectionate title “the Scottish Hobbema.”