Benjamin Barker (1776-1838) - Mountainous landscape with river

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 could easily be a Welsh view with the towering mountains in the distance. There appears to be a river running through the middle of the composition Barker has used a lone tree to frame the work on the right-hand side.
 
Medium: watercolour on paper, 18.4 x 29.2 cm, mounted. Inscribed verso 'B Barker'.
 
Provenance: private collection, Sussex.
 
Condition report: a couple of small marks in the sky which are not obvious unless viewed up closs. Generally in very good condition for its age.