Henry Park (1816–1871): "Two Bulls in a Field," Victorian Oil on Canvas, Dated 1857

A robust and compelling Victorian oil on canvas by the noted British painter Henry Park (1816–1871). Dated 1857—a pivotal period in the artist's career—this is a superb example of his characteristic animal and genre work. Park, who exhibited frequently at the Royal Academy and the British Institution, was highly regarded for his ability to infuse his animal subjects with dramatic narrative and atmospheric quality.

The composition captures a moment of high tension and power: two magnificent cattle, bulls, are depicted mid-interaction within a verdant, low-country landscape.

• The animal on the right, a striking white breed with red-brown markings, exhibits a dynamic pose, head lowered, confronting the darker beast on the left.

• The dramatic cloud-laden sky and the rich, earthy tones of the foreground foliage create a distinct sense of atmosphere and movement, reminiscent of the great Dutch Golden Age masters and Park's contemporary, Thomas Sidney Cooper.

• The work is presented in its original or period-appropriate gilt composition frame, which complements the warmth and prestige of the Victorian subject matter.

This painting would serve as an outstanding focal point in a traditional drawing-room, library, or entrance hall, appealing both to collectors of British Victorian art and those with an appreciation for fine sporting and animal subjects.

Henry Park (British, 1816–1871). Born in Bath and recorded as working and dying in Bristol, Park established a reputation for painting landscapes, genre scenes, and animals, particularly cattle and dogs. His works are held in public collections, including Sheffield Museums and Bristol Museums.

The work is dated 1857, a year for which other known works by Henry Park are recorded, which shares a similar theme. The date is inscribed below the canvas, visible only when the painting is removed from its frame

The painting falls squarely within the Mid-Victorian period, demonstrating the era's fascination with realistic and often sentimental or dramatic depictions of the British countryside and its livestock, influenced by painters like Sir Edwin Landseer.

Condition Report

The canvas appears taut, with no visible evidence of tears or significant slackening.

The paint layer is in good, stable condition. The brushwork retains its original texture and lustre. It appears to have been cleaned professionally in the past, with the details sharp and colours strong.

The signature is not visible in the frame, but the date '1857' is confirmed to be present beneath the frame

Housed in a handsome, believed to have been reframed within the last 10 years

A structurally sound and visually impressive work, ready to hang.

Measurement

Height:    39 cm   /    15.4 inches

Width      49 cm   /    19.3 inches

Depth:     5 cm    /     2 inches

Weight:   1.8 k.g. /  4.0 lbs