Pictures with atmosphere: five scenic lots at upcoming auction

27 January 2025 Every week, auctions around the country take place offering eyecatching, rare and notable artworks.

Among the atmospheric pictures at the Parker Fine Art Auctions sale is this signed watercolour by James Wilson Carmichael (1800-68). Titled A River Scene at Dusk, it measures 10 x 12.75in (25 x 32cm) and is inscribed and dated 1842 on the back. The estimate is £100-150. View the catalogue entry for this James Wilson Carmichael watercolour.

Among the upcoming events is a 480-lot sale of fine paintings and frames at Parker Fine Art Auctions on February 6.

The auction will offer a wide spectrum of works from paintings and watercolours to drawings and pastels, and there are plenty of lots that capture a special atmosphere of time and place. Here we pick out five lots to give you a flavour of what’s on offer.

1. Large military scene

Among the top lots in the Parker Fine Art Auctions is a large military scene by John Ferneley Junior (1814-1862). Titled The 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers) at Dover, with the Castle in the distance, the 2ft 1in x 4ft 8in (64cm x 1.42m) signed oil on canvas depicts the regiment which is now The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. The estimate is £8000-£12,000. View the catalogue entry for this John Ferneley Junior military scene.

2. Rural landscape

This view of a shepherd and flock on a country path is by John Middleton (1827-1856). The 16in x 2ft (41 x 51cm) oil on canvas is estimated at £400-600 at the Parker Fine Art Auctions sale. View the catalogue entry for this John Middleton painting.

3. Lakeside watercolour

Among the works on paper at the Parker Fine Art Auctions sale is this 18th century Dutch school view of figures by a lake. The 4.15 x 6.5in (11 x 17cm) watercolour is pitched at £150-200. View the catalogue entry for this Dutch watercolour.

4. Frank Brangwyn drawing

This pencil and charcoal sketch by Frank Brangwyn (1867-1956) is one of the drawings offered at the Parker Fine Art Auctions sale. Titled On the run for the World's Freedom, it was a design for a US recruitment poster and measures 15 x 20in (38 x 51cm). The estimate is £300-400. View the catalogue entry for this Frank Brangwyn drawing.