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Sale 6460, Lot 6
Thomas Woodward (1801-1852) Huntsmen and Hunters on Bredon Hill, Worcestershire, 1834 Oil on canvas Estimate: £150,000-200,000 |
Woodward Revival By John Stainton A rare opportunity to rediscover the excellence of Thomas Woodward, friend of Landseer. Woodward is generally unfamiliar only because significant examples of his work so rarely appear on the market. Not since 1989 (when his Puckeridge Foxhounds sold at Christie's for £209,000) - and rarely before that - has collectors' attention been focused on this highly gifted but little-known 19th century sporting artist. That situation will now be redressed: his magnificent Huntsmen and Hunters on Bredon Hill, Worcestershire is to be included in the Important British Art sale on 13 June, with a further dozen works in the sale of British Pictures 1500-1850 two days later. This remarkable group comes from a single private collection, mostly descended from Woodward himself. Huntsmen and Hunters on Bredon Hill, exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1834, is an exceptional picture and affirms Woodward's place in the first flight of sporting artists. Reviewing it, the often-critical Sporting Magazine observed: 'this is painted with some judgement - the horses are well placed, and, if they have not been flattered, they are valuable animals, and eminently qualified for a staunch pack. One of the grooms tightening the girth is so easy and natural that we almost fancied ourselves at the covert-side in reality, preparing for the 'tallyho' of the huntsman in the background.' It is possible to discern in Woodward's work the influence of several leading early 19th-century British sporting artists. Certainly the touch of Herring is there, and, in others, Basil Taylor sensed 'the spirit of Morland or Ward'. Woodward is believed to have been a close friend of Landseer and - even if that master's supposed remark that he 'wished he could paint a horse like Woodward' is anecdotal - there are clear affinities between the two artists' understanding and portrayal of their subjects. The British Art sales in June offer a rare opportunity for collectors to appreciate and acquire the work of this extremely talented artist. John Stainton is Head of the Department of British Pictures 1500-1850 jstainton@christies.com Tel: 44 (0)20 7389 2541 |
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