A Breton Girl Fishing

Like Breton, Ridgway Knight frequently illustrated women lost in the midst of daydreaming with only a few props to tell their stories. The present work evokes this mood as one figure is posed with one hand holding the fishing rod as the other leans on the stone ledge, looking tranquilly at the river's glittering surface, surrounded by blooming red roses. The serene village in the background, the quiet flow of the river, the flowers in full bloom and the bountiful catch of the day displayed by her foot, all symbolize the idyllic nature of the country side. Although she is actively involved in fishing at this moment, it is clear that her joyful thoughts have momentarily left her surroundings. Many of Ridgway Knight's paintings tell a story and he preferred painting moments of rest, as these gave him a better opportunity to place figures in academic poses.

Howard Rehs will include this work in his forthcoming Daniel Ridgway Knight catalogue raisonné.