Fred R. Carvell, The Wilds of Donegal

Fred R. Carvell gave his address as 30 Deauville Mansions, Elms Crescent, Clapham, in south London. We have found no other record of him. His exhibition label prices the picture in pounds, shillings and pence, so it was shown before decimalisation in 1971.

The painting follows the view of the west of Ireland made popular by Paul Henry. A low white cottage sits on red-brown bog beneath a heavy grey-green mountain and a large, clouded sky. Blue water runs in from the left between dark rocks. The paint is laid on broadly and flatly, with quick white strokes for the breaking water.

Oil, apparently on board. Unsigned on the front. On the reverse, a printed ‘Exhibitor’s Back Label’ completed by hand with the artist’s name and address and the title ‘The Wilds of Donegal’. In a reeded wooden frame with a worn gilt finish.