Mid-19th-century Belgian School, Windswept Landscape With Cottage, Figures & Copse

This mid-19th-century Belgian oil painting depicts a windswept landscape with a cottage, figures, copse and grazing cattle.

A brisk gale rushes across the scenery, clutching at every inch of foliage. Trees buckle under hurrying clouds as grasses lay near horizontal. A boy leans towards his mother - home is but a moment away.

Produced in 1862, this piece is reminiscent of the earlier Romantic period when the theatrical aspects of nature were captured for emotional effect. Wind is challenging to portray accurately and the artist, although unknown, is evidently well-trained.

Signed illegibly in the lower right (perhaps H. Casp_ or similar) and held in a splendid 19th-century gilt frame with floral corner ornaments.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 31” x 29½” / 79cm x 65cm
Year of creation: 1862
Provenance: Private collection, UK.
Condition: Cleaned. Faint stretcher marks. Craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Two old patches on the reverse with professional corresponding touch-ins. Frame with various marks and showing its age.
Our reference: BRV2075