Lot 83: Stanhope Alexander Forbes, RA (British, 1857-1947) A family picnic

Stanhope Alexander Forbes, RA (British, 1857-1947)
A family picnic signed 'Stanhope.A.Forbes' (lower left)oil on canvas 76.8 x 101.6cm (30 1/4 x 40in).

Provenance: Private collection, UK.A family picnic depicts the same three figures as Forbes's 1915 oil titled Three Generations, sold Sotheby's, London, 23 November 1994, lot 8. Both paintings are set in a woodland landscape; the present lot however, presents the figures seated, the eldest figure appearing to unpack a picnic basket. Forbes expertly captures the dappled sunlight falling on the figure group as they take a moment to break from their toil, suggested by the harvesting tool resting on the woman's shoulder in the companion piece. The present lot introduces a moment of peace, in the often hard life of members of the rural community.