John Linnell
The Woodcutters
Oil on panel, signed lower right
Image Size: 10 ¼ x 12 ¼ inches (27 x 31.5 cm)
Original gilt frame
Provenance
1851, painted for Mr W. Pinnell for 500 Guineas.
1872, sold for 2500 Guineas at Joseph Gillott's Sale, Christie's.
May 3rd, 1879, sold at Jonathan Nield's sale, Rochdale
Collection of Mr. L. Blow
Vicars Brothers Fine Art Dealers, 12 Bond Street, London
Bought by Isabelle Linnell.
Given to Barbara & Tom .....
Private collection
Exhibition
Reigate, Centenary Exhibition: Samuel Palmer and John Linnell, July – August 1963
The back of the painting has several hand written and printed labels, including a catalogue entry from the Jonathan Nield sale, May 3rd 1878 and Linnell’s obituary.
Woodcutter’s by John Linnell is a poignant depiction of a Victorian workers’ production line in an open gap within the forest. While some figures are depicted hacking down the trees, others are seen moving the logs into piles ready to be transported away by horse drawn carts. Thus creating a juxtaposition between the sublime natural beauty of the countryside and the pockets of Victorian industrialisation.
A common composition for Linnell his depiction of woodcutters was a reflection of his lifelong interest of the men who worked among the rural landscapes and the new observational landscape painting style of the 19th century.
John Linnell
John Linnell (1792 – 1882) was a distinguished English painter and engraver, celebrated for his meticulous landscape paintings and evocative engravings. His works often depicted the serene and picturesque English countryside, capturing the beauty and tranquility of nature. Throughout his career, Linnell was an active member of the Royal Academy of Arts and frequently exhibited his works, gaining recognition for his artistic skill and attention to detail. His engravings, particularly, showcased his exceptional talent and contributed significantly to the art world. Linnell’s legacy lives on through the numerous artworks he created, which continue to be appreciated and studied by art enthusiasts and scholars alike.
Museums
National Gallery, London
Tate Britain, London
Victoria and Albert Museum, London
British Museum, London
Yale Centre of British Art, New Haven
National Portrait Gallery, London
Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
Manchester Art Gallery
Royal Collection Trust
National Gallery of Scotland
Dulwich Picture Gallery London
