Pair of Magnificent Large Highland Scene Oil Paintings by Robert Cleminson (1844-1903)

A young drover guiding Highland cattle, blackface sheep and lambs in a Highland scene One showing a drover guiding Highland cattle and blackface sheep and lambs in a Highland scene with a lake and croft in the distant background. Magnificent realistic definition of the animals and the background landscape and plants, and birds in the cloudy sky. The painting, in its original gilt frame with a gilded slip is in excellent condition with no evidence of restoration of the painting. A Royal Red Deer Stag and Two Hinds Observing a Distant Stag in a Highland Scene This painting shows a stag with 12-point antlers (a Royal Stag) and two hinds on alert because of a nearby further stag. Outstanding, realistic depictions of the deer reminiscent of Landseer's Monarch of the Glen and wonderfully painted foliage and background with purple heather and flights of birds in the sky. The painting, in its original gilt frame with gilded slip is in excellent condition with no evidence of restoration. Robert Cleminson (1844-1903) was a renowned Victorian sporting artist best known for his realistic oil paintings of animals, particularly sporting dogs, Highland game, and deer set within dramatic Scottish highland landscapes. Active from around 1864 until his death, Cleminson developed a strong reputation for his exceptional brushwork and ability to capture realistic movement and atmosphere in his paintings. Cleminson's works are valued for combining Victorian sporting art with romantic Highland scenery, making him an important figure in 19th-century British animal and sporting painting traditions. Cleminson was heavily influenced by Sir Edwin Landseer, Queen Victoria's favourite artist and creator of the famous painting The Monarch of the Glen. A royal red deer and two hinds observing a distant stag in a Highland scene reflects Landseer's influence, particularly in its majestic depiction of Highland deer and atmospheric scenery. He exhibited many paintings at the British Institution in London (a rival institution to the Royal Academy), and at the Society of British Artists in Suffolk Street, London. His Highland paintings were popular during his lifetime, due to the resurgence in interest in the Highlands, including due to Royal Family and Balmoral Castle interest and his paintings continue to be very popular to the present time. These two paintings demonstrate Cleminson's remarkable attention to detail, from his realistic treatment of the red deer and the farm animals, the texture of the grass and heather to distant birds. The subject of the "Royal Stag" refers to a stag with an even twelve-point antler formation, traditionally regarded as a symbol of maturity and nobility in deer stalking culture and conveys both strength and vitality.