Benjamin Barker (1776-1838) - English Landscape with a Bridge

Benjamin Barker was the younger brother of Thomas Barker 'of Bath' and was equally accomplished at landscape painting. Benjamin also lived in Bath and became adept at painting in watercolour. He regularly exhibited his works at various institutions including occasional oil paintings at the Royal Academy. Furthermore, various landscape compositions by Barker were completed in aquatint by Thales Fielding (a younger brother of the celebrated artist Copley Fielding). 
 
Most of Barker's works are based on views he witnessed in the south-west of England and Wales. This watercolour is likely from either of these regions with a large bridge obvious in the background standing tall above the valley it resides in. The style is similar to the early English landscape school, and in particular to one of the father's of English watercolour, Paul Sandby.
 
Medium: watercolour on paper.
 
16.5 x 24.2 cm, framed.
 
Provenance: Abbott and  Holder; Dr Edward Brett's Collection.