Lot Essay
This is another study made by Gainsborough under the influence of Gaspard Poussin. John Hayes describes it as 'One of Gainsborough's most densely and highly wrought compositions in black chalk. The inhospitable mountains, which make a harsh contrast with the pastoral features on the right, are influenced by the example of Gaspard Poussin, whose work he was emulating at this period' (exh. cat. Tate Gallery, 1980-1, .loc.cit.).
Rowlandson's etching is reproduced by Hayes, 1964 fig.1. The Lambert referred to in William Esdaile's inscription is presumably the Mr. Lambert referred to by F.T. Smith in connection with a visit to Esdaile's home on Clapham Common where he was particularly excited by the Gainsboroughs although he 'had seen many of them before, in the possession of the artist, Colonel Hamilton, Mr. Nassau, and Mr. Lambert' (A Book for a Rainy Day, 1845, pp.262-3, reprinted in Hayes 1970, p.98)
Rowlandson's etching is reproduced by Hayes, 1964 fig.1. The Lambert referred to in William Esdaile's inscription is presumably the Mr. Lambert referred to by F.T. Smith in connection with a visit to Esdaile's home on Clapham Common where he was particularly excited by the Gainsboroughs although he 'had seen many of them before, in the possession of the artist, Colonel Hamilton, Mr. Nassau, and Mr. Lambert' (A Book for a Rainy Day, 1845, pp.262-3, reprinted in Hayes 1970, p.98)