19Th Century English School Oil Painting Of Livestock Resting In A Barn Interior

9th Century English School Oil Painting of Livestock Resting in a Barn Interior
After Thomas Sidney Cooper | c.1850 | Oil on Canvas | Gilt Frame

Description
A serene and sensitively rendered 19th-century oil painting depicting livestock sheltering within a rustic timber barn. Executed circa 1850 in the English School tradition, the composition features a brown cow, a black-and-white reclining cow, and three sheep calmly gathered on a straw-covered floor. The scene is softly illuminated by indirect natural light, creating a peaceful, pastoral atmosphere.

This work is attributed to a follower of Thomas Sidney Cooper CVO RA, one of the most celebrated British animal painters of the Victorian era. It exemplifies the rural romanticism that characterised much of Cooper’s influence, blending realism with warmth and quiet dignity.

Artistic Details
The animals are composed in a balanced triangular arrangement, subtly guiding the viewer’s eye. Their natural postures and interaction with the space suggest calm and domestic familiarity. The artist uses a rich, earthy palette—ochres, umbers, deep greens, and warm neutrals—evoking the enclosed comfort of the barn’s interior.

Confident brushwork lends texture to the straw and timber, while finer, more precise strokes define the livestock. The overall impression is one of gentle realism, idealised through a nostalgic lens.

Attribution
Though unsigned, the technique and subject matter align closely with the style of Thomas Sidney Cooper and his followers. Such works were often created within Cooper’s circle or studio, contributing to his enduring artistic legacy.

Framing
Presented in a later antique-style giltwood frame with a classic stepped profile and decorative molding. The finish displays a soft aged patina, enhancing the period character and visual warmth of the piece.

Dimensions (Framed)
Width: 69 cm
Height: 59 cm
Depth: 3.5 cm
Provenance
Private Northern Shire collection
Acquired via a reputable northern antiques dealer
Handled by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Previously exhibited at a middle shire museum
Condition
Original, unlined canvas
Stable craquelure across surface, consistent with age
Minor restoration including touch-ups to background and brown cow
Small patch repair to reverse; faint stretcher marks and minor edge wear
Frame shows typical wear and losses, adding to authenticity
Professionally stored and ready for display
Shipping
Worldwide delivery available. The painting will be professionally packed and shipped with full insurance.

A beautifully atmospheric example of rural Victorian animal painting, in the tradition of one of Britain’s great pastoral artists. Suitable for traditional interiors, country houses, or collectors of fine 19th-century English art.