Landscape with Figure on Horseback and Lakeside Hills
Original painting, work on paper • Samuel John "Lamorna" Birch (British, 1869–1955)
Style & Movement
British Post-Impressionist landscape, Newlyn School (second generation) influence
Medium & Technique
Watercolour and pencil on paper, utilizing wet-on-dry and lifting techniques for clouds and highlights
Creation Period
1946
Dimensions & Format
Approx. 25 x 35 cm (sight size), landscape format
Subject Description
A serene pastoral landscape featuring a calm body of water, likely a Scottish loch or Cornish valley. The foreground contains a figure mounted on a white horse, framed by dense woodland. Soft rolling hills dominate the background under a scattered cloud sky. The scene evokes the peaceful naturalism typical of Birch's late-career works.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the paper appears stable, though there is possible light fading/toning consistent with age and exposure to light.
Estimated Market Value
£800 - £1,200 (GBP)
Auction Estimate
£600 - £900 (GBP)
Provenance History
Private collection; presence of a gilt frame and a lined French-style mat suggests professional framing during the mid-to-late 20th century. Direct signature and date '1946' in the lower right corner.
Art Historical Significance
Lamorna Birch was a central figure of the Newlyn School and founded the Lamorna group. This 1946 work represents his later period where his palette became softer and more lyrical. His work is significant for bridging Victorian landscape traditions with 20th-century impressionistic light.
Notable Features
Clearly signed and dated 'S. J. Lamorna Birch 1946' in the lower right. The horse and rider add a narrative focal point common in his more desirable compositions.
Condition Issues
Slight acidification of the mounting board (yellowed edges near the bevel), minor light-induced pigment attenuation in the blue/violet spectrum, and potential foxing spots on the paper surface if inspected out of the glazes.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional re-mounting with acid-free museum-grade materials and UV-protective glazing. Protect from direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the watercolour washes.
Collector Notes
Lamorna Birch 1946 Watercolour