Arthur Hughes (1832-1915)

This is an exciting rediscovery, as this charming work has not appeared on the market in recent years and has not been touched since its sale from Hughes's estate in 1916. Although it is undated, its theme of the contrast between youth and age dates back to his Royal Academy exhibit of 1864 entitled Silver and Gold, which was sold at Christie's, London, on 25 October 1991, lot 50. Students of garden history will be interested by the planting depicted, the 'hoggin' path of beaten earth, and the rustic pergola, all elements of the Gertrude Jeykll inspired, 'Arts and Crafts' garden.