James Alfred Aitken AHRA RSW, A Cornfield, Moonlight

James Alfred Aitken AHRA RSW, A Cornfield, MoonlightThis late 19th century oil painting by Scottish artist James Alfred Aitken (1846 1897) depicts a harvest scene with hay cart, horse and figures. Gently lit by the final embers of the day, a cart stands silhouetted against a misty swirl of golden sky. A seated figure rests wearily atop the hay while another stands alongside. The day is almost done. The virtues of rural labour rendered with loose brushwork and tonal mastery. Aitken trained under Horatio

Light craquelure in areas but the paint layer is stable

Hailing from Southampton

Given the symbolism

Best isn’t seeking to romanticise this verdant countryside

He collaborated with the great Flemish master on numerous occasions

An intelligent composition with keen draughtsmanship

One that references the old masters in its use of light/shade yet also captures the young lady’s character - particularly in the eyes

Artist’s auction maximum: £12

Reich possessed an extraordinary ability to capture the smallest of details with the utmost of care and his style was entirely traditional

a young lady wearing a beautiful bell-shaped dress

A characterful 19th-century portrait of a French officer with a determined expression

while the skull is a reference to mortality