Archibald Kay (Scottish, 1860-1935), Procession of the Beasties

Oil on mahogany panel, signed and inscribed "RSW" at lower right, depicting a procession of sheep led by a shaggy Highland cow, framed.

Panel 5 1/2 x 9 3/4 in.; Frame dimensions 7 1/8 x 11 1/4 in.

Archibald Kay was a notable Scottish painter known for his evocative landscapes and seascapes that captured the subtle moods and shifting atmospheres of the Scottish countryside. Born in Glasgow, Kay studied at the Glasgow School of Art and later in Paris, where he absorbed the influence of French Impressionism and the Barbizon School. These stylistic elements would remain evident in his work, especially in his delicate handling of light and color. He often painted in East Lothian and other coastal areas, developing a reputation for his ability to convey the serene yet rugged beauty of the Scottish landscape with a quiet, poetic sensibility.
In addition to his painting, Kay was a respected educator and arts administrator. He was a member of the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour and was elected to the Royal Scottish Academy in 1915. He served as curator of the National Gallery of Scotland and also played a role in public arts education. Kay’s works were regularly exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy and remain part of public and private collections today. His legacy lies in his sensitive renderings of the natural world and his contributions to the development of early 20th-century Scottish art.

Light surface grime and yellowing varnish.

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