Children And Old Man, A Vanitas Scene.

A beautiful vanitas painting depicting two children facing an old man in a rural setting. In his humble dwelling, this wrinkled and aging man seems to explain, with all his experience, the meaning of vanity and the passage of time. The two carefree children, dressed in charming clothes, with feathers and flowers in their hats, accompanied by a graceful little dog, appear somewhat disillusioned by this lesson. The background is an admirable pastoral scene of the English countryside, and the delicate and subtle use of color is also noteworthy. This unsigned work is reminiscent of the work of the English painter William Mulready (1786-1863), born in Ireland and living in London. He was admitted to the Royal Academy at the age of 14 and became a member in 1816. He was a specialist in rural genre scenes. Oil on canvas bearing the stamp of the supplier R. Davis in Tottenham. Two discreet canvas reinforcements and some retouching, mainly on the edge. English School, circa 1840. Original stretcher. Gilt stucco frame: 115 x 97 cm. Canvas: 103 x 85 cm.