A wonderful genre painting of children playing in a meadow landscape by Reuben Hunt. A boy can be seen aiming an arrow at a toy on an upturned cart as other children look on. Two of the children are depicted standing as they watch the boy take aim, whilst another is shown lying on his side to the right of the painting. Behind them, a flock of sheep can be seen grazing or taking rest with their lambs.

Reuben Hunt was born in Fulham on 6 August 1857, at the eldest son of the artist Charles Hunt (1829-1900) and Ann Sarah Kilbee. His brothers Walter Hunt (1861-1941), Claude Hunt (1863-1949) and Edgar Hunt (1876-1955) also became artists. He spent his early years living with his family at Pomona Place in Fulham before moving to 60 Barclay Road.

His father Charles tutored all his children and his influence can be seen in their style and subject matter. Like his father, Reuben specialised in painting highly detailed humorous scenes often featuring children at play or with dogs, donkeys and other farm animals such as this fine example.

Hunt remained single all his life and continued living with his family when they moved to Granville Road in Wandsworth sometime during the late 1870’s/early 1880’s. Given the nature of the household and their similarities in style it is highly likely that he would have worked closely with his father and may well have collaborated on some of their works. After the death of his parents, he remained at Granville road with his brother Walter. He died at Stephens Hospital, Chelsea on 12 March 1938.

Examples of his work can be found at the Whitaker Art Gallery, Rossendale.

© Benton Fine Art