George Morland (1763-1804) - Pastoral scene with sheep, 1791 - Lot 81

George Morland (1763-1804) - Pastoral scene with sheep, 1791 (attributed to) Oil on canvas depicting several sheep in a rural landscape, in the foreground near a rock and vegetation, with an opening onto the countryside and sky in the background. This composition is typical of late 18th-century English pastoral scenes, a theme frequently treated by George Morland. Signed and dated "1791" lower right. Canvas mounted on an antique stretcher with keys; reverse showing patina and old interventions consistent with a late 18th or early 19th century work. Richly carved Victorian or neo-baroque wood and gilded stucco frame, probably 19th century, later than the work. George Morland (1763-1804) was one of the leading figures in English pastoral painting at the end of the 18th century. He was renowned for his lively rural scenes (farms, inns, horses and sheep) treated with a supple touch and a lively sense of country atmosphere. Despite a tumultuous personal life, his work enjoyed great success and was widely disseminated through engraving. In London, several major institutions preserve his work, including the National Gallery, Tate Britain and the Victoria and Albert Museum, which hold important collections of his genre scenes and rural landscapes. In the USA, his work is also represented in major museums such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Art. In continental Europe, some of his works are held by the Musée du Louvre and the State Hermitage Museum.