Joseph Milne

Sold by Big Sky Fine Art; this original oil painting by Joseph Milne, dating from around 1883.<br> The painting is presented and supplied in a sympathetic ornate frame from the 1980s. The painted surfaces and canvas have benefitted from some restoration, cleaning and conservation, which probably took place in the 1980s.<br> The painting is signed lower left.<br> <br> Joseph Milne was born in Edinburgh in 1857 to an artistic family. He was the elder brother of the painter William Watt Milne. Joseph’s son, John Maclauchin Milne, with his father’s encouragement and influence, also became an acclaimed artist.<br> <br> Joseph painted mainly in oils, but occasionally in watercolours too. He developed a personal style of painting, producing atmospheric landscapes and seascapes which were notable for their strong, bright tones. <br> <br> Although he lived most of his life in Edinburgh Milne also lived and worked for a time in Dundee and Ayrshire.<br> <br> Joseph Milne exhibited his works extensively, including some 81 works at the Royal Scottish Academy between 1877 until 1902, and some 45 works at the Glasgow Institute between 1880-1902. Milne also had 7 works shown in London, at the Royal Academy between 1887 and 1908. <br> <br> His favourite subjects were the towns and fishing villages on the east coast of Scotland, and working rivers, particularly, the River Tay. He died in Edinburgh in January 1911, at the age of 53.<br> <br> His works can be found today in some public collections, including those of Dundee City Council, the Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture, Pembroke College, University of Oxford, and Exeter University. <br> <br> This original painting depicts a charming scene of two young lads, friends or brothers perhaps, around 10 to 14 years of age, having a go at fishing. They are on a flat rock beside the sea; one is standing, the other is seated, leaning forward on his elbow. Each is holding a simple fishing rod that seem to be made from a bamboo stick. They are dangling their fishing lines into the sea, no doubt hoping to catch something for tea! The boys are wearing shirts, breeches and caps, but are barefoot. They are concentrating on their task. The sea is calm and shimmering, there are a couple of ships far out on the horizon, and the weather is fine. It is a perfect summer’s day, and a perfect way to spend it.