Woodland near Leeds by John Atkinson Grimshaw

John Atkinson Grimshaw
1836-1893 | British

Woodland near Leeds 

Signed and dated "Atkinson Grimshaw 1869" (lower left)
Oil on canvas

This atmospheric woodland scene was composed by John Atkinson Grimshaw, one of the most prestigious and influential painters of the Victorian period. The oil on canvas is both brilliantly hued and exquisitely detailed, showcasing Grimshaw’s mastery for capturing the light and atmosphere of the British landscape. While the majority of the artist’s works depict moon-washed cities and the fishing villages of Britain, this example is a rare daytime scene with a jewel-like palette of blues, turquoises, greens and yellows. The gem tones are characteristic of Grimshaw's output, while its sense of mystery and romanticism make it a particularly fine example of Victorian painting. It reveals Grimshaw's remarkable ability to elevate the British countryside into the realm of dreamy incandescent worlds, a quality that makes his works highly coveted by collectors.

Born in Leeds the son of an ex-policeman, Grimshaw began painting while he was employed as a clerk for the Great Northern Railway. He married his cousin Frances Theodosia Hubbarde in 1858, and by 1861 he abandoned his job in order to devote his time to becoming an artist. In his early work, Grimshaw was influenced by John Ruskin’s creed of ‘truth to nature’ and adopted the detailed Pre-Raphaelite technique of the Leeds painter John William Inchbold. By 1865, he turned to painting urban scenes in which moonlight and shadows were the most striking features, and it was for these works that he is best remembered. Examples of Grimshaw’s extraordinary painting can today be seen in galleries all over the world, including the Tate Gallery in London and the Leeds Museum.

Dated 1869

Canvas: 36" high x 30" wide
Frame: 41 1/2" high x 35 1/4" wide