Authentic Oil Painting by John Faulkner, r.h.a. Of Blacksmith “The Smeltery”

JOHN FAULKNER, R.H.A.
Ireland, 1830/35-1894

“The Smeltery”

Oil on canvas | signed lower left | original label verso titled “The Smeltery / John Faulkner R.H.A.”

Item # 909KRP13
A wonderfully nostalgic glimpse into the past, this lovely large painting captures a beautifully detailed scene of the village blacksmith at work in his thatched-roof workshop with the fires of his forge roaring while he works the metal article on his anvil. A young man sits on a chair at the doorway watching him work in the glow of the fire while a couple outside chat beside an open cart, presumably waiting to collect some work they have dropped off with the smith. Note the exquisite texturing of the stones, the brilliant golden hay throughout the roofs and the chaotic grasses, stones and dirt of the yard and pathways. Moss grows along the outside of the large tree in the forefront, this casting a shadow across the yard and shading the chickens from the brilliant sunlit sky.

Remaining in fine original condition, not yet having the need to be relined and still on the original stretchers with a hand-inscribed label noting the title of the painting, it almost certainly remains in the original frame. Such a well-preserved piece is always a great pleasure to find.

Measurements: 19 7/8″ H x 33 5/8″ W [canvas]; 30″ H x 43 3/4″ W x 2 1/2″ D [frame]

Condition Report:
Surface carefully cleaned by our conservator – the former varnish layer had to be mechanically removed and for safety traces of grime have been left undisturbed in the lower recesses of the oil; behind the extreme edges of the frame the varnish has cross-linked with the underlying oil paint, though this is hidden by the frame; original stretcher bars and painting has not been relined, overall remaining stable with only minor age related craquelure; very slightly overcleaned in some areas with a tiny loss by the signature lower left; under UV examination: inpainted loss in the thatched-roof of the hut, a few speck touchups in the sky, overall the surface appears otherwise clear of notable inpainting though it is a bit difficult to examine thoroughly due to varnish flaring; original frame with extensive overpainting throughout. Presents beautifully – ready to hang.