ATTRIBUTED TO GEORGE MORLAND (LONDON 1763-1804)
A gypsy encampment with children around a fire
oil on canvas
65 x 52 cm

The present work can be compared closely on stylistic and compositional grounds to treatments of the subject by Thomas Gainsborough and notably George Morland. The motif of figures around a fire had appeared as a favoured subject in their known works. Here, the group of young gypsies forms the focus of the composition. They are gathered under a large oak tree, with infant figures sitting around a cooking pot. They are shown warming themselves around a comforting fire, in anticipation of a hot meal.
A comparison between Morland's known works on the subject and the present work reveals a similar spirit and vigour to the fluid brushwork, and a comparable treatment of light and a similar characterisation of the figures.