Pair of magnificent large Highland Scene Oil Paintings by Robert Cleminson (1844-1903)

Object Description

A young drover guiding Highland cattle, blackface sheep and lambs in a
Highland scene

One showing a drover guiding Highland cattle and blackface sheep and lambs
in a Highland scene with a lake and croft in the distant background.
Magnificent realistic definition of the animals and the background landscape
and plants, and birds in the cloudy sky. The painting, in its original gilt
frame with a gilded slip is in excellent condition with no evidence of
restoration of the painting.

Frame 153 cm wide, 101 cm tall, 9 cm deep. Paintings 128cm wide and 76 cm
tall.

A Royal Red Deer Stag and Two Hinds Observing a Distant Stag in a Highland
Scene

This painting shows a stag with 12-point antlers (a Royal Stag) and two
hinds on alert because of a nearby further stag. Outstanding, realistic
depictions of the deer reminiscent of Landseer’s Monarch of the Glen and
wonderfully painted foliage and background with purple heather and flights
of birds in the sky. The painting, in its original gilt frame with gilded
slip is in excellent condition with no evidence of restoration.

Frame 153 cm wide, 101 cm tall, 9 cm deep. Paintings 128cm wide and 76 cm
tall.

Object History

Robert Cleminson (1844-1903) was a renowned Victorian sporting artist best
known for his realistic oil paintings of animals, particularly sporting
dogs, Highland game, and deer set within dramatic Scottish highland
landscapes. Active from around 1864 until his death, Cleminson developed a
strong reputation for his exceptional brushwork and ability to capture
realistic movement and atmosphere in his paintings. Cleminson’s works are
valued for combining Victorian sporting art with romantic Highland scenery,
making him an important figure in 19th-century British animal and sporting
painting traditions

Cleminson was heavily influenced by Sir Edwin Landseer, Queen Victoria’s
favourite artist and creator of the famous painting The Monarch of the Glen.
A royal red deer and two hinds observing a distant stag in a Highland scene
reflects Landseer’s influence, particularly in its majestic depiction of
Highland deer and atmospheric scenery.

He exhibited many paintings at the British Institution in London (a rival
institution to the Royal Academy), and at the Society of British Artists in
Suffolk Street, London. His Highland paintings were popular during his
lifetime, due to the resurgence in interest in the Highlands, including due
to Royal Family and Balmoral Castle interest and his paintings continue to
be very popular to the present time.

These two paintings demonstrate Cleminson’s remarkable attention to detail,
from his realistic treatment of the red deer and the farm animals, the
texture of the grass and heather to distant birds. The subject of the “Royal
Stag” refers to a stag with an even twelve-point antler formation,
traditionally regarded as a symbol of maturity and nobility in deer stalking
culture and conveys both strength and vitality.

Object Details