The Kindling Gatherers

About the Item: Sir Alfred East was both a full member of the Royal Academy and president of the Royal Society of British Artists, so his pedigree is impeccable. He became "Sir" after being knighted by King Edward VII in 1910. His paintings were exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy; it is unknown whether this one was. At any rate, you can see how he was influenced by the Barbizon and Impressionist painters, with moody dappled light coming through the forest. A boy and his mother gather sticks for their fire in period garb, surrounded by beautiful fall colors. Masterful strokes and daubs capture the light perfectly. Attribution on back shows provenance as Henry Spencer and Sons in Retford, dated 1966. In modern frame, 24.5" x 35"; without frame, 20" x 30".