M. A. Clark (XIX-XX) - Landschap

For sale: A large, atmospheric and highly decorative antique oil painting on canvas from the late Victorian / early Edwardian period (c. 1890–1910). This impressive piece measures a full 102 x 64 cm overall (including the heavy original frame).
The artwork depicts a romantic riverside landscape at dusk. In the left foreground, gnarled pollarded willows stand by the water, with the outlines of a historic church/abbey ruin in the background, glowing in the light of the setting sun. A small wooden rowing boat is moored on the right.
The composition is a well-known and highly sought-after period copy of the work “Church by a river at sunset” by the celebrated British landscape painter William Langley (1852–1922). This particular work is hand-signed in the lower right by the talented contemporary copyist M.A. Clark.
Interesting provenance:
The back of the authentic wooden stretcher reveals a fascinating history. It bears several old, hand-carved and handwritten inscriptions from the early 20th century, including the initials “MJW”, the name “M.J. Wouters” and the family name “Van Tricht Gillebaard”. This points to the work’s early Dutch or Belgian provenance/ownership.
The painting is in lovely antique condition, with beautiful, natural craquelure that attests to its age. The canvas is set in the original, richly decorated, heavy gilt ornamental frame from the period. The gold frame is in good condition and is a work of art in its own right.
• Medium: Oil on canvas