Is Sunset under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

Buy a print of Sunset - Henry Mark Anthony

Collectible Description

The painting Sunset by Henry Mark Anthony is a breathtaking example of the artist's ability to capture the beauty of nature. Measuring 69 x 99 cm, this oil on canvas work is currently housed at the Wolverhampton Art Gallery in the United Kingdom. The scene depicts a group of people riding horses in front of a large tree with a stunning sunset in the background, accompanied by several animals including sheep and dogs.

A Peaceful Moment

The overall atmosphere of the painting suggests a peaceful and serene moment, as if time has stood still. The use of warm colors and soft brushstrokes creates a sense of tranquility, drawing the viewer into the scene. The Sunset is a masterpiece that showcases Henry Mark Anthony's skill in capturing the play of light and color in the natural world. For more information on the artist's work, visit Henry Mark Anthony: Sunset. Key Features of the painting include:

The use of oil on canvas to create a rich and vibrant texture
The depiction of a serene landscape with a stunning sunset
The inclusion of animals and figures, adding depth and interest to the scene

Other notable works by Henry Mark Anthony include Autumn Evening, which can be found at Henry Mark Anthony: Autumn Evening. For a similar style, consider the work of Jean Baptiste Camille Corot, whose painting Morning, Fog Effect can be viewed at Morning, Fog Effect.
The Sunset by Henry Mark Anthony is a beautiful example of the artist's skill and craftsmanship. With its serene landscape and stunning use of color, this painting is sure to captivate art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. To learn more about the Wolverhampton Art Gallery and its collection, visit The Museum Victoria Art Gallery.

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Artist Biography

Henry Mark Anthony: Pioneer of Plein Air Landscape Painting

Henry Mark Anthony (1817 – 1886) stands as a pivotal figure in Victorian British art, recognized primarily for his contribution to establishing plein air painting—the practice of working outdoors directly from nature—as a dominant artistic style. Often compared favorably to John Constable by critics, Anthony’s landscapes captured the sublime beauty of the English countryside with remarkable sensitivity and detail, influencing subsequent generations of artists and cementing his place within the Romantic movement.

Early Life and Artistic Training

Born at Rusholme Lane, Manchester, Anthony descended from Welsh ancestry—his father being John Anthony, a merchant—and he grew up in Cowbridge Glamorgan alongside his family. Encouraged by his cousin George Wilfred Anthony, a drawing-master, he embarked on an apprenticeship with Dr. Harrison, fostering early artistic inclinations. This formative period instilled a deep appreciation for observation and meticulous rendering, skills honed further during his studies at the Hague and Paris academies, where he absorbed the techniques of luminaries like Paul Delaroche, Ary Scheffer, and Horace Vernet. Notably, his exposure to Fontainebleau in 1837 profoundly impacted him through engagement with the Barbizon School’s ethos—particularly Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot and Jules Dupre—who championed a return to direct observation of the natural world.

The Embrace of Plein Air Technique

Anthony's arrival in London around 1833 marked a crucial turning point in his artistic career. Patronage secured during this period enabled extensive travel, allowing him to immerse himself in diverse landscapes across England, Wales, France, the Netherlands, Ireland and Spain. He swiftly adopted the plein air method championed by Corot and Dupre, rejecting studio painting for capturing fleeting atmospheric effects and textural nuances. This stylistic choice distinguished him from many of his contemporaries and established him as a champion of Romantic ideals—a belief in emotion, imagination, and the grandeur of nature.

Royal Academy Membership and Artistic Output

Anthony’s dedication to landscape painting earned him recognition within prestigious artistic institutions. He debuted at the Royal Academy between 1837 and 1884, alongside the British Institution (1841–60) and the Society of British Artists (1841–69). His election to the latter in 1845 was followed by a resignation in 1852, driven by aspirations for membership in the Royal Academy—a goal achieved in 1854 after considerable effort. He secured the £50 prize awarded by the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) in 1854 for “Huge Oak that O’ershadows the Mill,” demonstrating his mastery of technique and capturing the essence of rural England. His prolific output encompassed numerous canvases depicting serene landscapes, evocative churches, and dramatic sunsets—works characterized by masterful use of impasto and atmospheric perspective.

Legacy and Influence

Henry Mark Anthony's influence extended beyond his own artistic achievements. He served as a respected art critic for The Manchester Guardian, shaping public opinion on artistic matters. His unwavering commitment to plein air painting helped propel Constable’s legacy forward and profoundly impacted the Pre-Raphaelites—artists who sought inspiration in medieval art and literature while prioritizing meticulous observation of nature. Anthony's enduring contribution to British landscape art continues to inspire artists today, securing his place as a cornerstone of Victorian artistic history.

Henry Mark Anthony

1817 - 1886

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Plein air landscape painting
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Romantic landscapes']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- John Constable
- Jean-Baptiste-camille corot
- Jules dupré
Date Of Birth: 1817
Date Of Death: 1886
Full Name: Henry Mark Anthony
Nationality: English
Notable Artworks:
- Huge Oak that O’ershadows the Mill
- Sunset
- Evensong
Place Of Birth: Rusholme Lane, Manchester