Lot Essay
The present work was probably painted around 1810. Geddes was particularly interested in capturing the transitory effects of nature in his landscape paintings. David and Francina Irwin have noted that the present work shows the stylistic influence of such old masters as Rembrandt and Rubens; indeed, Geddes owned an etching by Rembrandt of The Three Trees, and the Irwins comment that The Approaching Storm 'recalls Rembrandt's effect of a passing shower in this etching' (op. cit.).