JOHN LINNELL (BRITISH, 1792-1882)

The present lot was commissioned by Chambers Hall, following his introduction to Linnell by the artist D.C. Read (1774–1828), who Linnell was visiting at the time. The oil’s vibrant hues of sunset delighted Hall and resulted in the future commission of The Ferry of Itchen (Private Collection) : ‘You have indeed realised ideas which I had long cherished of a most magnificent effect of nature, the interest in which is heightened to me from the circumstance of locality […] My real ambition is now the Itchen Ferry (morning) as a companion to the sunset’ (quoted in K. Crouan, John Linnell, A Centennial Exhibition, Cambridge, 1982, p. 23).
Southampton from the River near Netley Abbey stands testament to Linnell’s ability to harness mood and translate light. Linnell was greatly engaged with 19th century dialogue, which debated the practice of naturalism and the turn away from the idealism of history paintings. He developed a friendship with John Constable (1776–1837), which was built upon discussion and exchange of thought on this topic. His work has continued to inform global discourse, and the present lot has been exhibited internationally at the Museo del Prado, as well as in Detroit, Philadelphia, Paris and Munich.