18th century framed Oil Painting – Landscape near Bath, with some provenance.

A follower of Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788). Signed (indecipherable, possibly J. Brankem?)

An interesting, framed oil painting on canvas depicting travellers leading a donkey up a track passed the Grenville Monument, Lansdown on the Northern outskirts of Bath. A further couple are shown resting beside a milestone near grazing sheep and with extensive view across the countryside towards Bristol (and Wales) beyond.

This painting comes with an original handwritten label indicating that this was painted in 1768 by “T.G” (Thomas Gainsborough). The signature suggests it was actually painted by a follower of Thomas Gainsborough, at this moment the artist is unknown (Gainsborough is actually recorded as living in Bath and working from a studio within a mile of the monument, from 1759 – 1774). Whilst NOT stating this painting is by the master himself, further research is needed into his possible relationship with the artist.

Dimensions:  33 x 42 inches (incl frame).

Gainsborough and his family moved to Bath in 1759, living at 17 ‘The Circus’. In 1761 he began to send work to the Society of Arts exhibition in London (now the Royal Society of Arts) of which he was one of the earliest members, and from 1769 he submitted works to the Royal Academy’s annual exhibitions. He was invited to become a founding member of the Royal Academy in 1769. He is known for both Portraits and Landscapes. However he is famously recorded as preferring landscapes.

Dated: c.1768