H.A. Stillingfleet Welsh Landscape after John Varley

An original 1805 watercolour painting, H.A. Stillingfleet, Welsh Landscape after John Varley.

A beautiful and interesting landscape watercolour in the style of John Varley (1778–1842). Flat washes of muted colour create a tranquil mood, with human interest introduced by the two small figures in the foreground and the distant smoke plume. In 1799 John Varley visited North Wales, and in its wild mountain scenery found the subjects best suited to his brush. He returned there in 1800, and again in 1802, and the impressions then received powerfully influenced the whole course of his art.

This painting is inscribed 'from Varley' and below, 'by, Stillingfleet'. This corresponds to initials at the lower right, H.[or possibly K.]A.S.. The identify of the artist is unknown. There is a Rev Henry Anthony Stillingfleet MA (1770–1846), who was part of the ecclesiastical Stillingfleet dynasty, headed by Dr Edward Stillingfleet, Bishop of Worcester (1635–1699); it seems probable that the artist was part of this prominent family.

Provenance: from a collection of works associated with the Glegg family of Withington Hall, Cheshire.

On paper laid down on backing paper.