Young Country Girl Resting by a Tree – Attributed to Thomas Barker (Barker of Bath) (1769-1847)

Medium: Watercolor on velin paper
Dimensions: 20 x 27.5 cm
Condition Report: Rubbed and stained, small defects at corners. Unsigned. Attribution on label verso. Collector's stamp (Lugt 3751) on verso.

Description:
This delicate 19th-century watercolor, attributed to Thomas Barker, known as Barker of Bath, captures a poignant moment of rural life. A young country girl, barefoot and dressed in earthy-toned garments with a red shawl draped over her head, rests against the trunk of a gnarled tree. Her expression, both gentle and contemplative, invites the viewer into the simplicity and hardship of pastoral existence. The soft landscape behind her, featuring distant figures and a faintly visible dwelling, enhances the romanticized sentiment of the scene. The artist’s skillful use of atmospheric perspective and naturalistic detail reflects the influence of both British and continental landscape traditions.

About the Artist:
Thomas Barker (1769–1847), widely known as Barker of Bath, was a British painter renowned for his landscapes and depictions of rural life. Inspired by the Old Masters and the works of Thomas Gainsborough, Barker developed a distinctive style that emphasized rich color, expressive brushwork, and a keen observation of nature. His works often celebrated the pastoral beauty of England, portraying everyday scenes with warmth and authenticity. Barker exhibited at the Royal Academy and his works are housed in prominent collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum.