Shepherd Boys and Dog Sheltering from a Storm
Thomas Barker·c. 1789/1790
Historical Context
Thomas Barker's Shepherd Boys and Dog Sheltering from a Storm, painted around 1789-1790, depicts rural figures seeking refuge from bad weather — a Romantic subject combining pastoral genre with dramatic natural forces. Barker, known as "Barker of Bath" for his long association with that city, was self-taught and achieved considerable success with his rural genre scenes and landscapes. His storm subjects reflect the late Georgian fascination with the sublime power of nature.
Technical Analysis
Barker's oil-on-paper-on-canvas technique captures the atmospheric drama of the approaching storm with energetic brushwork. The dark, turbulent sky contrasts with the lighter tones of the sheltering figures, while the rapid handling suggests direct observation of weather effects.
Provenance
Perhaps Philip Vandyck Browne [1801-1868], Shrewsbury. Philip Browne, Shrewsbury, as by Gainsborough.[1] (Bellas), France.[2] Howard Sturges [d. 1955], Providence, Rhode Island, as by Gainsborough; bequest 1956 to NGA. [1] An ink label on the back of the stretcher is inscribed: "No 53 [`3' altered from `2'] by Gainsborough/on paper laid down/on canvas/Lent by/Philip Browne/Shrewsbury." The exhibition cannot be identified, but must have been subsequent to 1898, when the picture was adhered to canvas. Philip Browne may have been a descendant of the artist Philip Vandyck Browne, a prominent citizen of Shrewsbury (information about whom was kindly supplied by Mr. Nigel Gaspas, Keeper, Shrewsbury Museums). [2] A label from the French shipping company Chenue on the back of the stretcher is inscribed in ink: "Monsieur Bellas/pour Londres." Bellas was presumably a dealer, since the picture was exported as part of a consignment consisting of at least two cases.
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