{"product_id":"brent-geese-over-holbeach-marsh-oil-landscape-signed-by-hugh-monahan-c1954","title":"Brent Geese Over Holbeach Marsh Oil Landscape signed by Hugh Monahan c1954","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHugh Monahan – Morning Flight of Brent Geese Over Holbeach Marsh, 1954\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn Atmospheric Mid-Century Wildfowl Landscape With Historic Verso Documentation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighlights\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal oil on canvas by Hugh Cecil Charles Monahan (1914–1970)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSigned and dated 1954\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistoric full title retained on the original verso label\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSweeping skeins of Brent Geese crossing Holbeach Marsh at dawn\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecific Lincolnshire coastal and historic bombing-range subject\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePainted during Monahan's presidency of the Wildfowlers' Association of Great Britain and Ireland\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCharacteristic combination of wildlife observation, movement and atmospheric light\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOil on original unlined canvas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistoric typed identification\/collection label retained verso\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntriguing “Corridor 6\/2” internal collection\/display reference\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistoric white chalk inventory\/handling markings retained verso\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarlier originating collection or institution remains under research\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditional decorative gilt and painted frame\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDominic Winter Auctioneers provenance, March 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupplied with a Certificate of Sale \u0026amp; Dealer Attribution\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA compelling signed and dated \u003cstrong\u003e1954 wildfowl painting by Hugh Cecil Charles Monahan (1914–1970)\u003c\/strong\u003e depicting sweeping formations of Brent Geese crossing the early morning sky above Holbeach Marsh on the Lincolnshire coast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge silhouetted birds pass dramatically across the upper sky, while successive skeins diminish towards a glowing horizon. Beneath them lies an expansive marsh landscape of wet ground, shallow pools and distant vegetation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonahan's restrained palette of blue, grey, green and brown is illuminated by passages of golden-yellow and amber morning light, reflected again within the wetlands below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is an atmospheric study not simply of Brent Geese but of migration, weather, light and the extraordinary openness of the Lincolnshire coastal landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painting is further distinguished by the documentary material preserved on its original reverse, including a historic typed identification\/collection label recording the full title, artist, date, medium and original dimensions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArtist: Hugh Cecil Charles Monahan (1914–1970)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTitle: \u003cem\u003eMorning Flight of Brent Geese over the Bombing Range at Holbeach Marsh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDate: 1954\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedium: Oil on canvas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSignature: Signed and dated H. Monahan 1954 lower right\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubject: Morning Flight of Brent Geese\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocation: Holbeach Marsh, Lincolnshire, England\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNationality: Irish-born, later Canadian\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenre: Wildlife \/ Ornithological \/ Wildfowl \/ Landscape\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupport: Original unlined canvas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCanvas Dimensions: Approximately 51 x 61 cm \/ 20 x 24 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrame: Traditional decorative gilt and painted frame\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonahan's strongest wildfowl compositions are characterised by the relationship between birds, landscape and changing atmospheric conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the present painting, the Brent Geese determine the rhythm and spatial construction of the composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe largest birds cross the upper foreground in dark silhouette. Behind them, successive formations become increasingly small and indistinct as they travel towards the horizon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis carefully constructed recession gives the painting a remarkable impression of scale and distance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe marsh below is intentionally understated. Low areas of vegetation and earth are interrupted by reflective water, while the enormous sky dominates the scene.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe restrained landscape ensures that the viewer's attention remains focused upon the movement of the birds and the changing dawn light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHolbeach Marsh: Wildlife and a Post-War Landscape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe historic title identifies the setting specifically as \u003cstrong\u003eHolbeach Marsh\u003c\/strong\u003e, part of the distinctive low-lying Lincolnshire landscape adjoining The Wash.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts marshes, mudflats, tidal waters and exceptionally broad horizons provide an ideal environment for Monahan's approach to wildfowl painting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe additional reference to the \u003cstrong\u003ebombing range\u003c\/strong\u003e gives the work a particularly unusual historical identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePainted in 1954, the landscape belonged to a Britain still living with the immediate legacy of the Second World War while simultaneously entering the technological and strategic environment of the Cold War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMilitary aviation and weapons training formed one part of this landscape; seasonal wildlife migration formed another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ancient movement of Brent Geese across a landscape associated with modern military technology creates an inherently compelling juxtaposition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no documentary evidence presently establishing that Monahan intended the painting as an allegorical statement. The importance lies instead in his precise identification of a real British landscape at a particular historical moment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Brent Goose\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Brent Goose (\u003cem\u003eBranta bernicla\u003c\/em\u003e) is a relatively small dark goose associated particularly with coastal saltmarshes, estuaries and mudflats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMigrating populations travel considerable distances between Arctic breeding grounds and temperate wintering areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBritain's coastal wetlands provide important seasonal habitat, and the sight of Brent Geese moving collectively across open skies has long attracted ornithologists, wildfowlers and wildlife artists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonahan's interpretation concentrates upon this collective spectacle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe individual birds remain recognisable, but it is their movement as successive formations through the landscape that gives the painting its extraordinary atmosphere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistoric Verso Documentation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn important historic typed identification\/collection label remains attached to the original canvas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCorridor 6\/2\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOil Painting on Canvas 20 x 24 ins.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eby H. Monahan.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSigned and Dated 1954\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMorning flight of Brent Geese over the Bombing Range at Holbeach Marsh.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis provides valuable documentary evidence for the painting's historic title, artist, medium, date and original dimensions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heading \u003cstrong\u003e“Corridor 6\/2”\u003c\/strong\u003e appears most consistent with an internal hanging-location, display or collection-management reference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt suggests that the painting once belonged to an organised display or collection system in which its physical location was recorded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, the originating institution or collection has not presently been identified.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would therefore be inappropriate to describe this as a museum, RAF, Ministry of Defence or other institutional label without further documentary evidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResearch into the earlier collection history remains ongoing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistoric Chalk Inventory Markings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse of the original unlined canvas carries several historic freehand white chalk numbers and symbols.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne vertical numerical inscription appears most plausibly to read approximately \u003cstrong\u003e8188\u003c\/strong\u003e, although individual characters cannot be regarded as completely certain from the surviving inscription.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA large N and a further circled notation are also present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuch markings are consistent with historic inventory, stock, location or handling systems used within the art trade and organised collections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResearch into historic auction-house practice confirms that chalk markings were employed in various forms. Sotheby's, for example, is documented as historically having used yellow chalk, while Christie's older inventory practice more characteristically involved black-ink stencilled numbers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe present freehand white\/grey chalk markings have not been matched to a known Sotheby's, Christie's or Bonhams numbering sequence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are therefore recorded conservatively as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistoric white chalk inventory\/handling markings verso; origin unconfirmed.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir significance lies in demonstrating an additional undocumented stage in the physical history of the painting rather than establishing a particular auction-house provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Artist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHugh Cecil Charles Monahan was born in Dublin in 1914.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe developed a distinctive reputation for atmospheric paintings of wildfowl, combining close observation of birds with expressive treatments of weather, landscape and light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished biographical records document his education at Pembroke College, Cambridge and subsequently at the Slade School of Art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonahan's understanding of wildfowl extended considerably beyond the studio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf particular relevance to the present painting, he served as \u003cstrong\u003ePresident of the Wildfowlers' Association of Great Britain and Ireland between 1953 and 1956\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMorning Flight of Brent Geese over the Bombing Range at Holbeach Marsh\u003c\/em\u003e was painted in \u003cstrong\u003e1954\u003c\/strong\u003e, directly within this period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis connection gives the subject additional context: the painting was produced at a time when wildfowl, their habitats and sporting culture occupied an important position within Monahan's professional life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1956 he moved with his family to British Columbia, Canada. The vast wilderness and birdlife of western Canada provided further inspiration for his mature work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonahan died in Vancouver in 1970.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe present painting therefore belongs specifically to his \u003cstrong\u003eBritish period\u003c\/strong\u003e, two years before his permanent move to Canada.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistoric typed identification\/collection label verso, headed “Corridor 6\/2”, recording H. Monahan, oil on canvas, 20 x 24 inches, signed and dated 1954, and the title \u003cem\u003eMorning Flight of Brent Geese over the Bombing Range at Holbeach Marsh\u003c\/em\u003e; originating institution or collection presently unidentified.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrivate collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDominic Winter Auctioneers, \u003cem\u003eBritish \u0026amp; European Paintings \u0026amp; Watercolours, Old Master \u0026amp; Modern Prints \u0026amp; Drawings\u003c\/em\u003e, 12 March 2025, Lot 197.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired from the above sale by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistoric white chalk inventory\/handling markings retained verso; origin unconfirmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarlier provenance remains the subject of continuing research.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall framed dimensions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 67 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth: 77.5 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepth: 3.2 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCanvas:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApproximately 51 x 61 cm \/ 20 x 24 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original 20 x 24 inch dimensions are recorded on the historic verso label.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painting is offered in good historic condition consistent with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe canvas remains in its original unlined state.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painted surface displays age-related craquelure together with areas of scattered foxing-type spotting\/staining and general surface ageing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA horizontal stretcher impression is visible towards the upper section of the composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse displays expected age-related surface accumulation, including some historic cobweb remnants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe traditional decorative frame displays general rubbing, scuffs, minor chips and localised losses commensurate with age and previous display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImportantly, the historic typed identification\/collection label and earlier white chalk inventory\/handling inscriptions remain preserved on the original canvas reverse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying photographs should be regarded as an integral part of the condition description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorldwide shipping is available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painting will be professionally packed with particular consideration given to the original unlined canvas and decorative frame. Insured delivery can be arranged according to destination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertificate of Sale \u0026amp; Dealer Attribution\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale \u0026amp; Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttribution and Research\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit accompanied by transparent provenance research, detailed catalogue descriptions and professional, client-focused service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional photographs and further information are available upon request.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55245825016186,"sku":"CAC-SK-0353","price":8000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0201\/2227\/1808\/files\/TheFensLincolnshireHughMonahan.jpg?v=1744310338","url":"https:\/\/cheshireantiquesconsultantltd.com\/nl-nl\/products\/brent-geese-over-holbeach-marsh-oil-landscape-signed-by-hugh-monahan-c1954","provider":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","version":"1.0","type":"link"}