David Bates, Rural Landscape With Thatched Cottage, Country Track & Pond

David Bates, Rural Landscape With Thatched Cottage, Country Track & PondThis charming 19th century oil painting by British artist David Bates (1840 1921) depicts an idyllic rural scene with a picturesque thatched cottage, country track, pond and figures. Beaming under the incandescence of Summer, a charming higgledy piggledy cottage rests amid verdant foliage. Above, the passing clouds break to reveal blue sky in a typically English fashion. While to our left, a seated figure rests by an algae covered pond. This was Bates

One of a perfect Denmark in contrast to its busy cities

farmhouse and villagers

Perhaps the artist knew the sitter

or Hondarribia as it’s known in Spanish

with the morning breaking

we see introversion offset by a formidable Catalan spirit

The painting is housed within an attractive later frame with foliate corners and a decorative inner border

an impressive bridge strikes an imposing form with its verticals catching a strong light

two clear lines of sight provide both depth and historic interest

A touch of concern

Medium: Oil on canvasOverall size: 15” x 17½” / 39cm x 45cmYear of creation: 1840Condition: Craquelure but the paint is stable

Paget was born into a family of watchmakers and lived in Morbier