Description
This small and wonderful oil painting on posterboard by British artist Sidney Pike (1846-1907) depicts an autumnal landscape with a dog and shepherd tending to a flock of sheep. Posterboard would have been more likely used by artists pushing the boundaries of conventional materials at the time.
Sidney Pike was a turn-of-the-century British painter best known for his depictions of the English countryside and livestock. He lived a rather Bohemian lifestyle, traversing from one lodging to another, and made most of his money painting the grounds of stately homes for their owners. He also exhibited frequently at the Royal Academy & Royal Society of British Artists and was one of the first Christmas card illustrators for Collins Publishers.
This painting utilizes impressionistic brushstrokes and bold color choices; with fall foliage that glows as though it was set ablaze by the setting sun, gorgeous lavender shadows, and a dusty haze in the sky reminiscent of an emerging cold season.
At the front, a single sheep stares directly at the viewer, while the shepherd faces away, inviting the viewer into the scene. The artist’s signature can be found in the lower left corner.
The frame is completely modern, of MDF, done in the art nouveau style. The primary decoration is an art nouveau-influenced floral trim with a smaller rotating ribbon trim near the center. This captivating landscape would be a wonderful addition to a home library, study, or living room.
With Frame: H=12.25 in. W=15.5 in. D=1.5 in. 5 lbs.
