Titans of Scottish Art Take Centre Stage in Pictures Auction

A stunning oil by the ‘Fifth Scottish Colourist’ is creating a buzz ahead of its appearance in this month’s Fine Scottish Pictures auction.

The rare painting by John Maclauchlan Milne (1885-1957) was completed in 1922, with specialists expecting the work ‘Gardens, Paris’ to fetch between £20,000 and £30,000.

Inspired by Cezanne, Milne spent several years in Paris where he discovered a completely new freedom, walking the streets of the French capital painting what he saw, en plein air and with rapid, bold brush strokes. These paintings are amongst the artist’s finest with two examples fetching £25,000 and £30,000 respectively at McTear’s in recent years.

‘By the Lily Pool’ by E.A. Hornel (1864-1933) is a striking painting from the collection of works created by the Glasgow Boy during his nineteen month sojourn to Japan in 1893/94. Funded by philanthropist, William Burrell, Hornel’s Japanese works are considered amongst his best, with a hugely successful Glasgow exhibition on his return underlining the status of the collection.

The work, which it is believed has never come to auction before, has an estimate of £6,000 to £9,000.

Other paintings in the 57 lot sale include impressive works by David Gauld (1865-1936) and Robert Gemmell Hutchison (1855-1936). Considered one of the innovators within The Glasgow Boys, Gauld worked in both oils and stained glass. The oil ‘Ayrshire Calves’ is a fine example of his work, with the painting expected to fetch up to £5,000.

One of Scotland’s best loved artists of the late 19th and early 20th century, Robert Gemmell Hutchison’s works are hugely sought after, with several examples selling for over £100,000. Carnoustie is a classic landscape from Hutchison, with an estimate of £3,000 to £6,000.

Scotland in Colour: Fine Scottish Pictures will take place on Wednesday 12 October.

For a complimentary, no-obligation on traditional paintings, please contact our specialists on 0141 810 2880 or auction@mctears.co.uk.