Artwork
Pastures, a Cloudy Day
Pastures, a Cloudy Day is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Nathaniel Hone the Younger. It dates from 1881 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1881, *Pastures, a Cloudy Day* is an oil painting by Irish artist Nathaniel Hone the Younger. The work is part of the National Gallery of Ireland’s holdings and exemplifies the artist’s engagement with the Impressionist style, portraying a quiet rural scene beneath an overcast sky.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas presents a verdant meadow where a small herd of cattle grazes, bordered by a modest strip of trees and shrubbery. Above, a mass of soft, billowing clouds occupies the upper half, suggesting a day marked by muted light and a contemplative atmosphere.
Technique & Style
Hone employs oil pigments with loose, visible brushwork that conveys texture and depth. A restrained palette of greens, earth tones, and grays reinforces the subdued mood, while the handling of light and atmosphere reflects Impressionist concerns with fleeting visual effects.
History & Provenance
The painting entered the National Gallery of Ireland’s collection, where it remains accessible to the public. Its acquisition reflects the institution’s effort to represent Irish contributions to late‑19th‑century European art movements.
Artist & collection
Artist
Nathaniel Hone the Younger (26 October 1831 – 14 October 1917) was an Irish painter, the great-grand-nephew of the painter Nathaniel Hone.
