This mid-19th-century oil painting by Scottish artist Robert Thorburn Ross RSA (1816-1876) depicts a seated woman carding wool within a rustic interior.

Robert Thorburn Ross RSA was a distinguished painter of domestic genre scenes. His oeuvre is traditional in style and illustrates passing moments within humble cottages and farmhouses. He trained under George Simson RSA (1791-1862) and at the Trustees' Academy under Sir William Allan RA (1782-1850).

A Victorian critic referred to his “amiability and modesty of character” which “secured for him the kindly esteem of his brother artists”. His daughter, Christine Paterson Ross (1843-1906), and son, Joseph Thorburn Ross ARSA (1849-1903) also became painters. The Art Journal produced a lengthy biography in 1871, which is reproduced in our directory.

Here, in this fine work from 1851, we see a woman carding wool, which is the process of brushing the fibres to organise them. She’s sitting alongside the stove for warmth and there are bellows hanging on the wall. It was shown at the Royal Scottish Academy in the year it was produced.

Signed/dated lower right and held within a later frame.

Learn more about Robert Thorburn Ross RSA in our directory.

Medium: Oil on panel
Overall size: 25½” x 32½” / 65cm x 83cm
Year of creation: 1851
Labels & Inscriptions: Frost & Reed label. Inscription relating to previous ownership. Old faded exhibition label.
Provenance: With Frost & Reed Ltd, London / S.C. Coulson Esq (1959) / Private collection, England.
Exhibited: Edinburgh, Royal Scottish Academy, no. 112.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Cleaned. Fine and settled craquelure, as you would expect. Heavily bituminised in areas. The paint layer is stable.
Artist’s auction maximum: £40,000
Our reference: BRV1814