
Description
Subject & Medium:
Paste
Presenting a captivating and atmospheric early 20th-century British Impressionist landscape oil painting, titled:
"Lake Windermere at Sunset”
This beautifully lit scene by Alfred Fontville de Breanski Jr. depicts Lake Windermere, the crown jewel of England's Lake District, bathed in the rich, golden light of a peaceful Autumn evening. The glow of the setting sun floods the towering mountain peaks and reflects gently over the tranquil lake surface.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Signed: "A. Fontville” lower right; inscribed verso
Date: Circa 1920
Frame: Original grand decorative giltwood frame
Composition & Technique:
This is a fine example of chiaroscuro landscape painting, where radiant light from the setting sun contrasts vividly with the darkening valley and shadowed shoreline- creating intense mood, volume, and atmospheric depth.
Key Features Include:
Dramatic, sunlit mountain peaks glowing in warm orange
Four cows wading calmly at the lake's edge
A solitary shepherd standing nearby, observing the scene
Distant island formations and birds of prey flying low
Grassy reeds and stone boulders grounding the foreground
Brushwork & Palette:
Subtle blending in the sunset sky with pink, ochre, and lavender hues
Earthy browns, moss greens, and reflected golds in the landscape
Smooth transitions in the lake's reflections, capturing the stillness of dusk
Lively yet controlled brushwork- detailed in foliage, fluid in light
This painting offers a deeply peaceful and poetic reflection of the English countryside at one of its most beautiful times of day.
About the Artist – Alfred Fontville de Breanski Jr. (1877–1957):
A key figure in British landscape painting, Alfred F. de Breanski Jr. was the son of the acclaimed Alfred de Breanski Sr. and artist Annie Roberts. He trained at St. Martin's School of Art and absorbed further inspiration while working in France- where he encountered James McNeill Whistler, whose soft tonalities subtly influenced his own palette.
He exhibited at the Royal Academy and Royal Society of British Artists, becoming known for his atmospheric landscapes of Scotland, Wales, and the English Lake District. His works are found in major collections worldwide and have sold for over $20,000 USD at auction.
About the Location – Lake Windermere:
As England's largest natural lake, Windermere is one of the most visited and painted subjects in British art. Surrounded by rugged hills and steeped in Romantic and literary tradition, the lake has long inspired artists with its stillness, light, and ever-changing colours.
The view depicted here- serene and pastoral- shows Windermere at sunset, framed by distant hills and glowing skies, making it an ideal collector's scene.
Frame:
Housed in its original ornate giltwood frame, this piece is display-ready and designed to impress in both traditional and modern interiors.
Frame Dimensions:
Height: 71.5 cm
Width: 92 cm
Depth: 10 cm
Hanging thread fitted – ready for immediate display
Provenance:
From a private Shire collector, acquired through a prestigious middle Shire auction house, now proudly offered by , specialists in museum-worthy British fine art.
Why You'll Love It:
Signed original by renowned landscape artist A.F. de Breanski Jr.
Captivating Lake District sunset with glowing atmospheric light
Rich colours, pastoral elements, and peaceful storytelling
Original gilt frame – elegant and impactful
Perfect for collectors of English countryside art, or as a luxurious décor centrepiece
An excellent investment in British Impressionist tradition
Condition Report:
Painting Surface: In good overall condition with foxing, craquelure, and age-related tonality
Frame: Structurally sound; with expected wear, chips, and touch-ups consistent with age and giltwood craftsmanship
Reserve: $10,800.00
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Lake Windermere Glowing Sunset Landscape Oil by Alfred de Breanski Jr C1920
Estimate $13,000-$16,000
Starting Price
$5,000
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Grand British & European Antique Oil Painting
Mar 05, 2026 11:00 AM ESTNew York, NY, United States
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