George Smith of Chichester (English, 1714-1776), The Hop Pickers

George Smith of Chichester (English, 1714-1776) The Hop Pickers Oil on canvas, in a fine original Georgian carved pierced swept and gilded frame Literature: The subject was engraved by Francis Vicares in 1760 George Smith was one of three brothers who were all artists in their native town of Chichester in the mid-18th century, and amongst the first native practitioners of the pure landscape. Their style derives ultimately from the exemplars of Claude Lorraine, but with a curiously English air. They enjoyed a great popularity during the third quarter of the 18th century. Of the three, George was the most prolific and successful, and exhibited frequently at the annual exhibitions of the Society of Artists from 1760 until two years before his death, in Chichester, in 1776. Smith's critical reputation was at its apogee in the 1760s, and after his death his work fell slowly into first neglect and then obscurity. His first premium painting for which he received 50 guineas was sold in Christies on 10th February 1838 for just 20 guineas. His reputation was revived only in the 1980s when the seminal exhibition at the Pallant House Gallery in Chichester once more drew attention to the masterful technique and gentle observation that typifies his work, which remains at a consistent and high standard throughout his career. His paintings are appreciated today for their pastoral charm and picturesquely English idiom.   The present composition was evidently popular as a several autograph versions survive. Dimensions: (Frame) 22.5 in. (H) x 30 in. (W)  (Canvas) 17 in. (H) x 24.5 in. (W)