“Haymaking”
By Alexander George Fraser Jr.
(Scottish 1827-1899)
The son of renowned Scottish figural and landscape artist, Alexander G. Fraser Sr. (1786-1865), Fraser Jr. commenced his artistic studies at the Trust Academy in Edinburgh. His paintings are mainly of the Scottish countryside around Edinburgh and Loch Lomand. He was made an associate of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1858 and a full member in 1862. Like his Scottish impressionist contemporaries, he painted with a broad brush, making great use of light in his compositions. He was influenced by David Cox, William James Muller, and the Pre-Raphaelites. Alexander Fraser Jr. underwent formal training at the Trustees’ Academy. However, he always claimed that his most significant training was received in the company of other youthful artists, on plein-air sketching expeditions. He wintered in London from 1847 to 1857.
Primarily a landscape painter, with a considerable interest in rural life, Fraser painted in Scotland, Wales, Surrey, and East Anglia, often accompanied by his friend, Samuel Bough. The influence of the Pre-Raphaelites is reflected in his detail, while the free use of colour reflects the style prevalent in the late 19th century.
He also exhibited at the Royal Academy in London and his paintings may be found in numerous international public and private galleries. The subject painting is one of his larger and better works in which he makes use of juxtaposition of light and an impressionist brush stroke. The shading on the stooks and fence rails gives a loose definition while tying them into the theme of the painting.
The painting is signed with his typical signature “A.Fraser RSA” scrawled in the lower right corner of the painting. There is also an inventory label verso of W. Scott & Son of Montreal dated 1916. The painting is in overall very good original condition with some overall light crackeleur, but with good solid color and its period gilt frame.
Cameron Paintings Rare Books and Antiques 902 273 3111
