Landscape and Cattle, ca. 1823

R.R. Reinagle RA (1775 - 1862)

RA Collection: Art

Reinagle trained under his father Philip Reinagle RA, and also travelled extensively in Holland and Italy where he studied the masters of the Dutch and Italian Schools. On his return to London he became friendly with John Constable although the rivalry between the two landscape painters possibly contributed to a later souring of their relationship.

Reinagle showed this painting to Constable before it was presented to the Royal Academy but Constable commented that 'It is such art as I cannot talk about -heartless - vapid - and without interest'. Constable's opinion was perhaps somewhat embittered by the fact that he himself was not elected to the Academy for another six years. Reinagle's picture is skillfully composed and, although influenced by Dutch masters such as Ruisdael, is clearly inspired by the landscapes of Gainsborough as well.