Lot 214: Alfred Mudge (fl.1862-1885)

The Terrace at Richmond
signed and dated 'Alfred Mudge 1883', and further signed and inscribed 'The Terrace/Richmond/.../by A Mudge' (on the plaque on the tree to the right). Further signed and inscribed 'The Terrace, Richmond/by Alfred Mudge/2 Eton Terrace/Richmond Surrey' (on the reverse)
oil on canvas
36 x 67 in. (91.4 x 170.2 cm.)

with M Newman Ltd, London.
Anonymous sale; Sotheby's, London, 27 November 2003, lot 382 (£55,000).

The view from Richmond Hill has been popular with artists and poets from the 17th Century onwards. It was immortalised by Turner in his painting England: Richmond Hill on the Prince Regent's Birthday (Tate Britain) and Sir Walter Scott eulogised it in The Heart of Midlothian as:

'A huge sea of verdure, tenanted by numberless flocks and herds, which seem to wander unrestrained, and unbounded, through rich pastures. The Thames, here turreted with villas and there garlanded with forests, moved on slowly and placidly, like the mighty monarch of the scene, to whom all its other beauties were accessories, and bore on his bosom a hundred barks and skiffs, whose white sails and gaily fluttering pennons gave life to the whole.'

Mudge's view takes its title from the gravel, tree-lined, terrace which runs along the top of hill and reveals that the artist is as much concerned about human activity as the topography that surrounds it. To the right of the composition the viewer is offered a glimpse of the Thames looking south westwards surrounded by it rich pastures. Far more emphasis, however, is placed on the terrace itself which is populated with townsfolk, promenading, hurrying, or simply taking in the view. In placing emphasis on human activity the artist recalls such urban prospects as The Mall in St James's Park (The Frick Collection, New York) by Thomas Gainsborough.

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.