Reuben Hunt (1857-1938) - 1882 Oil Children in the Garden

Description

This charming nineteenth-century oil painting presents a quaint portrayal of rural life and childhood innocence. Several children tend to a floral obelisk structure in a humble farmyard. Signed and dated to the lower left. Well presented in an ornate gilt-effect frame with foliate and ribbon running patterns. On canvas on stretchers.

Condition

Slight discolouration to the varnish, ingrained dirt, and areas of craquelure. The painting has been relined and small areas of the sky have been overpainted. Scuffs and marks to the frame. Stable cracking to the running patterns.

Size

50 x 75cm (19.7" x 29.5")
Framed Size: 83 x 108.5cm (32.7" x 42.7")

Artist Biography

Reuben Hunt was the son of artist Charles Hunt and the brother of Edgar, Claude and Walter Hunt. He was, like his siblings, probably taught by his father. He is best known as a painter of farmyard animals, particularly donkeys. Two paintings of donkeys by Reuben are in the collection of Rossendale Museum, now known as The Whitaker. However, there is no record of his having exhibited his work during his lifetime.