Charles Martin Hardie (British, 1858-1916)
The Church Service

signed and dated 'C.M.Hardie/84' (lower left)
oil on canvas

Unframed: 85 x 66 cm. (33 1/2 x 26 in.) Framed: 92 x 74 cm. (36 1/4 x 29 in.)

Private collection, Scotland
Thence by decent to the present owner

Charles Martin Hardie was born in East Linton, East Lothian. He initially joined the family business and worked as a carpenter, but a family connection with the artist John Pettie inspired him to pursue art instead. Hardie went on to study at the Trustees' Academy in Edinburgh. He became known for his depictions of Scottish life, often featuring strong narrative elements such as the present example. Another example of a narrative composition by Hardie, titled Curling at Carsebreck 1899 is held by the National Galleries Scotland (1). Throughout his career he produced portraits, landscapes, and genre scenes, as well as historical paintings, working in both oil and watercolour.

References:
1. Charles Martin Hardie | National Galleries of Scotland, (ID: 500002710)