Fine huge 19th century English landscape with sheep resting, near Guildford, Surrey, oil on canvas by George Cole. Excellent quality and condition extensive landscape with sheep resting by a path in the Surrey Hills as figures approach in the distance. Excellent original condition and leading example of Cole work famous for his rural view of Surrey and West Sussex. Inscribed to the original antique Victorian gilt frame that would have been made specifically for the painting, possibly as an exhibition entry due to the size. Old label verso.
Provenance: A private estate, Nottingham, UK
Measurements: 100cm x 80cm framed approx
BIOGRAPHY
George Cole was a painter of portraits, landscapes and animals.
Cole was self-taught and began his career by painting several large canvas advertisements for the proprietor of a travelling circus (i.e. Tiger Hunts etc, exhibited at Weyhill Fair). This success led him to study animal painting more seriously, travelling to Holland to study the Dutch Masters.
He devoted himself for some years to animal painting in Portsmouth, exhibiting for the first time in London at the British Institution in 1840. His “Don Quixote” and “Sancho Panza with Rosinante in Don Pedro’s Hut” attracted much attention there in 1845.
From 1849 to 1882 Cole exhibited at the Royal Academy, turning to landscapes, mainly in Hampshire Surrey, Cornwall, Wales and Sussex.
His son George Vicat Cole was also a landscape painter and their work is sometimes confused.
Surrey Fine Arts
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