William Verplanck Birney, Fireside

William Verplanck Birney, FiresideThis early 20th century oil painting by American artist William Verplanck Birney (1858 1909) depicts a bearded gentleman, probably his father, drifting off within a cosy interior. The fire roars, while he sleeps. Warming his aching slippered feet, now bootless after the ride. The oak panelling creaks and cracks like burning logs. Hes been here before, its probably his favourite room. Resting in his hunt coat, surrounded by comforts. Birneys father was

But occasionally

An exquisite oil on canvas depicting a late 18th-century lady reading a book while sprawled across a sofa

During the early part of the 19th century

We particularly love the various layers in this chilly rural scene - with the details becoming obscured as your eye looks further into the distance

It’s not just crimes… that require us to repent

The portrait feels akin to the works of William Beechey

Ferneley Snr was trained by the great Benjamin Marshall (1768-1835)

a curtained-off area of the home

The painting is signed/dated in the upper left and housed within a gilt frame

and spent many years working in The Hague

This gentle early 20th-century interior scene by Danish artist Carl Vilhelm Meyer (1870-1938) depicts an older lady looking through a window into the garden

These were quite prescriptive and mourning began with a period of black - no jewellery