{"product_id":"arthur-wardle-1864-1949-exmoor-british-moorland-landscape-oil-painting","title":"Arthur Wardle (1864–1949) Exmoor British Moorland Landscape Oil Painting","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArthur Wardle (1864–1949) Exmoor British Moorland Landscape Oil Painting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn atmospheric signed Exmoor landscape and an uncommon standalone landscape within the predominantly animal and sporting oeuvre of celebrated British painter Arthur Wardle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighlights\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Arthur Wardle (British, 1864–1949)\u003cbr\u003e• \u003cem\u003eExmoor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Late 19th \/ early 20th century\u003cbr\u003e• Oil on canvas laid on board\u003cbr\u003e• Signed “ARTHUR WARDLE” lower right\u003cbr\u003e• Further inscribed “Arthur Wardle” to the reverse backing\u003cbr\u003e• Uncommon standalone landscape within Wardle’s predominantly animal and sporting oeuvre\u003cbr\u003e• Heather, gorse, rocky moorland and an expansive cloud-filled sky\u003cbr\u003e• Closely related south-west English landscape material is documented among works retained by Wardle and subsequently passing by family descent\u003cbr\u003e• Wardle’s documented oeuvre includes standalone landscapes and numerous moorland compositions\u003cbr\u003e• Provenance includes Burstow \u0026amp; Hewett, \u003cem\u003eFine Art and Sculpture\u003c\/em\u003e, 17 November 2022, lot 525\u003cbr\u003e• Painting approximately 24 × 33 cm\u003cbr\u003e• Framed approximately 37 × 45 × 3 cm\u003cbr\u003e• Presented in a traditional gilt frame\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn atmospheric signed moorland landscape by Arthur Wardle (1864–1949), one of the foremost British animal and sporting painters of the late Victorian and early 20th-century periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditionally entitled \u003cem\u003eExmoor\u003c\/em\u003e, the work presents an expansive moorland landscape in miniature. Heather, gorse, rocky ground and richly varied vegetation occupy the foreground, while a pale winding track or watercourse draws the eye towards distant uplands beneath a luminous blue sky filled with drifting clouds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough Wardle is celebrated principally for sporting dogs, domestic animals and exotic wildlife, extensive research demonstrates that landscape formed an established component of his artistic practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe present work is particularly interesting because the animals that usually inhabit Wardle’s landscapes are entirely absent. Here, the landscape itself becomes the subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArtist: Arthur Wardle (British, 1864–1949)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTitle: \u003cem\u003eExmoor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDate: Late 19th \/ early 20th century\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedium: Oil on canvas laid on board\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSignature: Signed “ARTHUR WARDLE” lower right\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReverse: Backing additionally inscribed “Arthur Wardle”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubject: British moorland landscape, traditionally identified as Exmoor\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePainting dimensions: approximately 24 × 33 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFramed dimensions: approximately 37 × 45 × 3 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrame: Traditional gilt frame\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWardle structures the composition around a pale rocky track or watercourse leading from the immediate foreground into the moor, creating considerable depth within the painting’s intimate dimensions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe foreground is built from broken, energetic strokes of russet, plum, mauve, ochre, brown and moss green, evoking heather, gorse and rough upland vegetation. Pale stone and rocky highlights punctuate these deeper colours and guide the viewer towards the horizon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbove, the landscape opens dramatically into an extensive blue sky animated by softly modelled cumulus clouds. The contrast between the densely worked foreground and luminous sky creates a convincing impression of atmosphere, distance and open moorland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResearch into Wardle’s documented oeuvre provides particularly important context for the present painting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoorland settings recur in his work. Christie’s has catalogued Wardle’s \u003cem\u003eSetters on a Moor; and Pointers by a Stream\u003c\/em\u003e, a pair of signed oils demonstrating his established use of moorland and watercourse environments closely related to the landscape vocabulary of \u003cem\u003eExmoor\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther recorded titles include \u003cem\u003eGundogs on the Moors\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eA Rest on the Moor\u003c\/em\u003e, further demonstrating Wardle’s sustained engagement with upland and moorland scenery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStandalone landscape material by Wardle is also documented.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cem\u003eRiver Landscape\u003c\/em\u003e has been recorded with provenance from Sotheby’s important 1994 dispersal, \u003cem\u003eWorks from the Studio of Arthur Wardle\u003c\/em\u003e, providing documentary evidence that independent landscape studies formed part of the material preserved in the artist’s studio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven more significant in relation to the present work is \u003cem\u003eA Rocky Pathway, Dartmoor\u003c\/em\u003e, an oil on board measuring approximately 32.5 × 24.5 cm, documented among works retained by Wardle and subsequently passing by family descent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts dimensions are strikingly close to the approximately 33 × 24 cm format of the present \u003cem\u003eExmoor\u003c\/em\u003e. Its subject also establishes Wardle’s direct artistic engagement with the rocky upland landscape of south-west England independently of the animal subjects for which he became famous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe comparison provides particularly valuable context for \u003cem\u003eExmoor\u003c\/em\u003e: both are intimate south-west English upland landscapes in which rocky terrain and the natural environment form the principal subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished specialist scholarship has additionally associated Wardle with holidays on Exmoor. This provides intriguing biographical context for the traditional title of the present work, although the precise topographical location depicted has not been established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Artist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArthur Wardle was one of the leading British animal painters of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModern institutional and major auction-house cataloguing generally records his dates as 1864–1949.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWardle demonstrated considerable artistic ability from an early age. His first recorded Royal Academy exhibit, \u003cem\u003eStudy of Cattle on the Banks of the Thames\u003c\/em\u003e, was shown in 1880 while he was still a teenager.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSignificantly, that first exhibited work combined animal painting with landscape, demonstrating that close observation of the natural environment was present from the beginning of his professional career.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWardle subsequently became particularly celebrated for sporting dogs, domestic animals and exotic wildlife. His ability to combine close observation of animal anatomy with accomplished natural settings became one of the defining characteristics of his work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe exhibited extensively at the Royal Academy and became a member of the Pastel Society in 1911 and the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours in 1922.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis wider exhibition history included an important presentation of his \u003cem\u003eJungle Studies\u003c\/em\u003e by Arthur Tooth \u0026amp; Sons in 1899, a one-man exhibition at the Fine Art Society in 1931 and an exhibition at Vicars Gallery in 1935.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe British Museum identifies Wardle as a British painter and draughtsman specialising in animal, wildlife and sporting subjects and records works after his designs within its collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWardle is also represented within the Tate artist records.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoyal Academy and Exhibition Career\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWardle enjoyed a substantial exhibition career extending over several decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne particularly well-documented benchmark is his major painting \u003cem\u003eA Fairy Tale\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe work was exhibited at the Royal Academy, London, in 1895 as catalogue no. 222 and subsequently at the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, Autumn Exhibition of 1895 as no. 1050.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was also illustrated in H. Blackburn’s \u003cem\u003eAcademy Notes 1895\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore than a century later, \u003cem\u003eA Fairy Tale\u003c\/em\u003e achieved £337,875 at Christie’s in 2013, demonstrating the continuing importance of Wardle’s major documented exhibition pictures within the British art market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis result is cited solely as an indication of the artist’s established market and institutional standing and is not presented as a valuation comparison with the present smaller landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWardle and the Moorland Landscape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoorland was an established environment within Wardle’s artistic vocabulary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDocumented compositions include \u003cem\u003eSetters on a Moor; and Pointers by a Stream\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eGundogs on the Moors\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eA Rest on the Moor\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese works demonstrate his familiarity with the visual characteristics also encountered in the present painting: rough upland vegetation, heather, rocky terrain, streams and tracks, distant horizons and broad atmospheric skies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe survival of standalone landscape material is particularly significant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA River Landscape\u003c\/em\u003e is documented with provenance from Sotheby’s 1994 Wardle studio dispersal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost importantly for comparison with \u003cem\u003eExmoor\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eA Rocky Pathway, Dartmoor\u003c\/em\u003e is documented among works retained by Wardle and subsequently passing by family descent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Dartmoor work measures approximately 32.5 × 24.5 cm, making its format remarkably close to the present approximately 33 × 24 cm landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe existence of this family-provenance Dartmoor landscape provides compelling evidence that Wardle independently painted intimate studies of the rocky upland scenery of south-west England.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe present \u003cem\u003eExmoor\u003c\/em\u003e therefore belongs to a less familiar but documented aspect of Wardle’s practice in which landscape itself, rather than an animal subject, becomes the focus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe 1994 Wardle Studio Sale\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn 23 November 1994 Sotheby’s London held a dedicated dispersal entitled \u003cem\u003eWorks from the Studio of Arthur Wardle\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe substantial sale comprised approximately 298 lots and provides an important documentary source for understanding the breadth of material retained in Wardle’s studio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorks carrying provenance from the sale have subsequently appeared at major auction houses and specialist dealers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe documented \u003cem\u003eRiver Landscape\u003c\/em\u003e associated with this dispersal is particularly relevant to the present painting because it confirms the presence of independent landscape material within Wardle’s studio holdings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResearch into the complete 1994 studio-sale catalogue and its landscape material remains ongoing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature and Physical Evidence\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painting is clearly signed “ARTHUR WARDLE” in block capitals at the lower right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComparative research demonstrates that uppercase “ARTHUR WARDLE” signatures are documented on works accepted and catalogued as Wardle by major international auction houses, including Christie’s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWardle is known to have employed more than one signature form during his career, including uppercase and mixed-case signatures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse backing of the present painting is additionally inscribed “Arthur Wardle”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis reverse inscription is recorded as part of the physical history of the object. It provides evidence of an earlier attribution to Wardle but is not, in itself, presented as independent authentication of authorship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrivate collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBurstow \u0026amp; Hewett, \u003cem\u003eFine Art and Sculpture\u003c\/em\u003e, 17 November 2022, auction P171122, lot 525.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Burstow \u0026amp; Hewett documentation describes the work as Arthur Wardle, \u003cem\u003eExmoor\u003c\/em\u003e, signed, oil on canvas laid on board, approximately 24 × 33 cm, framed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired from the above sale by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original Burstow \u0026amp; Hewett purchase documentation is retained within the dealer’s records.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExhibition History\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo historic exhibition record for this individual painting has presently been identified.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis should be distinguished from Arthur Wardle’s extensive documented exhibition career, which included the Royal Academy, Walker Art Gallery, Arthur Tooth \u0026amp; Sons, Fine Art Society and Vicars Gallery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResearch into the historical exhibition catalogues and the 1994 Wardle studio dispersal remains ongoing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo claim is made that the present \u003cem\u003eExmoor\u003c\/em\u003e was exhibited at any of those institutions unless further documentary evidence is discovered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDating\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe present work is catalogued as late 19th \/ early 20th century on stylistic and contextual grounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo dated inscription or presently identified contemporary exhibition record has been found that permits the work to be assigned securely to a particular year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarlier commercial descriptions have used an approximate date of circa 1900; however, the broader late 19th \/ early 20th-century dating is retained here as the more appropriately cautious catalogue description pending further documentary evidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePainting: approximately 24 cm high × 33 cm wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFramed: approximately 37 cm high × 45 cm wide × 3 cm deep.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrame\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePresented in a traditional gilt frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe frame displays age-related rubbing, scuffs, knocks and small chips or losses visible in the accompanying photographs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo assertion is made that the frame is original to the painting. Likewise, no claim that the frame is later or re-gilded is made in the absence of documentary evidence establishing this.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in good antique condition overall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painting displays age-related surface characteristics visible under close examination, including localised spotting or staining and minor peripheral paint wear or loss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe paint surface retains clearly visible texture and varied brushwork throughout the sky, clouds, moorland vegetation and rocky foreground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe work has not been subjected by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD to scientific material analysis or a formal conservation examination. Accordingly, observations concerning condition are based upon careful visual examination rather than a professional conservation report.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe traditional gilt frame displays rubbing, scuffs, knocks and small chips or losses commensurate with age and use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease examine all photographs carefully as they form 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 appropriate consideration given to the canvas laid on board and decorative gilt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43638147219709,"sku":"CAC-SK-0064","price":110000.0,"currency_code":"PLN","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0201\/2227\/1808\/products\/british-oil-painting-exmoor-landscape-by-arthur-wardle-1860-1949-866599.jpg?v=1687011571","url":"https:\/\/cheshireantiquesconsultantltd.com\/pl-pl\/products\/arthur-wardle-1864-1949-exmoor-british-moorland-landscape-oil-painting","provider":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","version":"1.0","type":"link"}