Edward Robert Smythe, Bowden Lock, Suffolk

Edward Robert Smythe, Bowden Lock, SuffolkThis mid Victorian rural scene by Edward Robert Smythe (1810 1899) is blessed with the picturesque romance of imagined country life. Smythe was purposeful and his works in high demand particularly by those housed within overcrowded cities and industrialised towns. Here, we see Bowden Lock in Suffolk manned by a young lad while another leads a horse. The river approaches from the left, which is partially obscured by a gnarled tree, and the view is

Several articles have been written regarding his distinguished career and controversial lifestyle

Note also the little splashes of light by the plates hanging above the doorway

An inscription on the reverse refers to ‘Maria Birgitta’ who died in 1906 and there’s potentially also a reference to the artist

It’s a fascinating painting as it poses more questions than it answers

to his often hermetic nature and it’s been noted that he was a reclusive character

subdued landscapes

Steiner was known for his exquisite still lifes that drew influence from the 17th-century Dutch masters

Bruxelles’ at an auction in Belgium in 1992

A bright early 20th-century landscape painting depicting a coastal view by Danish painter

which is evidenced by the floral bonnet sitting back on the head and the style of dress

He’s represented at the Swedish National Museum

Year of creation 1932