Morning Mists, oil painting by Joseph Knight 1837-1909

A superb oil on board landscape titled ‘Morning Mists’ by Joseph Knight (1837-1909). The work depicts with the utmost skill a scene across undulating grassland, with sheep grazing and a figure walking. The painting is really all about light, the morning sunlight as it breaks through the mist. The technique is typical of the artist, painted plein air, naturalistic in tone and with a superb eye for detail. The painting is signed to the lower left: J.Knight 79, it also retains on the reverse the exhibition label, with the title and Knight’s address in Betws-y-Coed, North Wales. Joseph Knight (1837-1909) was born in London but raised in Manchester, it was here he was sponsored to study at the Academy of Fine Arts after displaying an artistic aptitude whilst working as a photographer. Although he began as a portraitist, he was principally a landscapist, working in both oil and watercolour, and producing engravings. He exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1861-1908 and every other major gallery numerous times, became a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours and of the Royal Cambrian Academy, and an associate of the Society of Painter-Etchers. His passion for landscape painting engendered a move to North Wales and in the 1870s his studio there became the focus for artists wishing to paint plein air and this became known as the Manchester School. Knight’s home in Betws-y-Coed was the focus of the great Victorian artistic community in the village and would eventually lead to the creation of The Royal Cambrian Academy in 1881. There are mainly of Joseph Knight’s works in public collections including A tidal river, of 1877 held by the Tate. Works are also held by The British Museum, The Victoria and Albert and the art collections of the cities of Manchester and Liverpool. This piece is a great example of the work of Knight; it is in excellent condition and retains the original gilt frame. The whole is ready to hang.
Overall sizes in inches including frame: 22 by 19 ¼