Alfred de Breanski, Jr. - A Summer Garden

The English garden was a source of inspiration for writers, poets, and artists throughout the centuries, and never was the subject more romanced than during the Victorian era. The Victorian Garden – formal or informal - was an important part of manor and cottage life. The image that normally comes to one's mind when the words' Victorian garden' are used is a quaint thatched cottage surrounded by lupins, lilies, hollyhocks, pansies, and other colorful flora. However, the garden was also used to grow vegetables and fruits, often planted in the same area.

These peaceful and colorful gardens were one of the favorite locations for the Victorian artist Alfred Fontville de Breanski, Jr. (1877-1957). The son and pupil of Alfred de Breanski, Sr., the well-known Victorian landscape artist Alfred Jr., like his father, often painted the mountainous landscapes of Scotland and Wales, concentrating on the effects of sunlight on the Highland scenery at different times of the day. His work was readily confused with that of his father's, and he often signed his works A.F. de Breanski, A.F. de Breanski, Jr., or A. Fontville. It is also believed that he painted several still-life paintings under the name Gustave Courtier.

During the 1905 – 1920 period, de Breanski embarked on a series of stunning English garden scenes, each painted in his signature colorful, impressionistic style. These works, brimming with light and color, enjoyed immense popularity during his lifetime. Even today, they remain highly coveted, a testament to de Breanski's enduring influence. His exhibitions at the Royal Society of British Artists and the Royal Academy (R.A.) were always eagerly anticipated, with notable works such as A Cottage Garden (1907, R.A.), Summer (1912, R.A.), Willows (1914, R.A.), and Autumn Gold (1917, R.A.) drawing significant attention.

We trust you will enjoy this glimpse into the Victorian garden!

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