The Nottingham-born painter who settled in Norfolk belonged to the generation of British landscape artists in the late 19th century whose pursuit of the plein air ideal led them back to Constable.
When reviewing Arnesby Brown’s work in 1900, The Studio Magazine coined the phrase ‘New Romantic’ to describe this blending of poetic feeling, plein air observation and a Constable-esque atmosphere.
Owned 'since 1912'
This quintessential scene offered at Burstow & Hewett (20% buyer’s premium) on February 20 was from a local private vendor whose family had apparently owned it since the year it was painted in 1912.
In original condition, the 14 x 16in (35 x 41cm) oil on canvas was pursued to £8500, more than double pre-sale hopes. The winning bid was made on the phone.
“The painting was completely fresh and untouched, slightly dirty but in exactly the sort of condition you would want to buy something like this in,” said Burstow & Hewett auctioneer Mark Ellin.
