George Barret
, Irish, 1728/32-1784
Title
An Extensive Wooded Landscape with Fishermen Hauling in their NetsDate1760s
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions
137 x 195.5 cm
Credit LineHeritage Gift, IIB Bank, 2005
Object numberNGI.4750
ProvenancePossibly William Esdaile (1758-1837), of Cothelstone House; and by descent to William Clement Esdaile of Cothelstone House, Somerset; Sotheby's, 21 May 1958, Anonymous Sale, lot 137; Thomas Agnew and Sons Ltd.; purchased at Christie's, London, 12 May 2005, The Irish Sale, lot 32; Heritage Gift, IIB Bank, 2005Label TextThis picture was probably painted shortly after Barret’s arrival in London, but the subject and arrangement owe a considerable debt to the artist’s experience of painting in the Dargle Valley. In the treatment of disparate textures, control of light and tone, balance of the composition, and description of detail, Barret demonstrates the breadth of his talent. Even the scale of the picture itself points to his burgeoning confidence. The apparent serenity of the river and relaxed activity of the figures upon it are countered by a sunburst that breaks through the trees to the left, and a huge, ominous arc of clouds.