Who painted Farmhouse and Cattle near Mountains?

Farmhouse and Cattle near Mountains was painted by William Howis junior in 1852.

Where can I see Farmhouse and Cattle near Mountains?

Farmhouse and Cattle near Mountains is held by National Gallery of Ireland.

Artwork

Farmhouse and Cattle near Mountains

Farmhouse and Cattle near Mountains is an unspecified painting by William Howis junior. It dates from 1852 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1852, this oil painting by William Howis junior depicts a rural scene in which a modest farmhouse and a small herd of cattle occupy the foreground, while a range of mountains recedes into a muted sky. The composition balances the solidity of the built and animal forms with the atmospheric depth of the distant landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The work presents a tranquil agrarian setting, emphasizing the relationship between human habitation, livestock, and the surrounding natural environment. By placing the farmhouse and cattle prominently against the looming mountains, the artist underscores the coexistence of everyday rural life with the broader, often imposing, landscape.

Technique & Style

Howis employs a palette of earth tones—ochres, siennas, and soft grays—to convey depth and mood. Loose, expressive brushwork animates the scene, suggesting movement in the foliage and a subtle atmospheric haze that softens the distant peaks. The handling of light and color creates a sense of space without precise detailing.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the institution’s interest in 19th‑century Irish landscape painting and contributes to the gallery’s representation of regional artistic production from that period.