Description
Subject and Medium
A beautifully observed portrait of a black-and-white Friesian cow grazing in a farm field—calm, authentic, and full of rural character.
Medium: Oil on panel/board, glazed with a front protective glass cover.
Colour notes: the cow’s coat is built from rich blue-black passages with creamy whites and warm umber/chestnut notes, set against a landscape of sage and olive greens, straw yellows, and soft grey-blue tones that create atmosphere and depth.
Composition & Technique
Smith keeps the composition wonderfully direct: the cow’s body forms a strong central mass, with the head lowered to graze, creating an immediate sense of weight and natural rhythm.
Brushwork: lively, confident, and impressionistic—visible strokes describe hide, muscle, and movement with economy
Tonal design: a bold dark form against lighter pasture creates striking contrast and instant presence
Surface quality: textured paint handling that reads particularly well in person, catching light across the flank and pasture strokes
Breed credibility: the Friesian is rendered with convincing stance, proportion, and coat pattern—an artist clearly familiar with farm animals
About the Artist
George Smith RSA (1870–1934) was a highly regarded Scottish painter known for landscapes and animal subjects, especially rural farm life and working animals. Born in Mid Calder, Midlothian, he studied in Edinburgh and later in Antwerp under Charles Verlat. He exhibited widely (including major institutions such as the Royal Scottish Academy and the Royal Academy) and is particularly collected for his ability to capture the spirit and physical presence of animals in authentic settings.
Historical Importance
This is a classic Edwardian-era rural subject—painted at a time when agriculture and livestock were central to Scottish life and identity. Works like this are prized not only for their aesthetic appeal, but also as vivid, painterly records of a world that was already beginning to change. The cabinet scale makes it especially desirable for collectors building curated walls of Scottish and British pictures.
Signed
Signed by the artist (lower left) — visible in the close-up detail.
Framed
Presented in a traditional decorative gilt frame, highly complementary to the period and subject.
Verso bears a workshop trade label for:
John Gibson, Carver, Gilder & Picture Restorer, 112 Bothwell Street, Glasgow — a desirable authenticity detail indicating professional period framing/restoration.
Glazed for protection and fitted with hanging thread—ready to display.
Size
Frame dimensions (approx.):
Height: 28.5 cm
Width: 37 cm
Depth: 4 cm
(Panel/sight measurements can be provided if required for cataloguing or insurance.)
Provenance
Retains historic labels and notes verso, private collection, including the John Gibson (Glasgow) framers/restorers label
Lindsay Burns & Company (Antique & General), 2023 — label dated 2023 & curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD. Together these details create a strong, traceable “object story” that collectors appreciate.
Why You’ll Love It
A genuine work by a known Scottish RSA artist with an established exhibition history
Highly collectible animal subject — Friesian cow in a natural grazing pose
Exceptional colour harmony: blue-black, cream, warm earth pigments, and layered greens
Confident impressionistic technique with beautiful surface texture
Cabinet-scale format—perfect for a study, library, country house interior, or curated salon wall
Period-style gilt frame with a Glasgow craftsman’s label enhancing authenticity and presentation
A timeless conversation piece with warmth, heritage, and real painterly quality
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Condition Report
Offered in fine used condition, consistent with age.
Painting surface: in good overall order with some craquelure and foxing/staining in places (age-related)
Frame: general wear, scuffs, and minor chips commensurate with age and use
Overall, it presents very well and displays attractively.
Reserve: $5,063.00
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.
Condition
Used
Buyer's Premium
20%
Oil Painting Friesian Cow Grazing c1900's Signed by George Smith RSA Scottish
Estimate $6,000-$7,000
Starting Price
$2,400
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Meet the Auction House
10500
4.5
54328
Sporting, Animal & Equestrian Art Auction
May 07, 2026 5:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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