Claude Hayes (1852-1922) - A carter watering his two horses at the ford

Claude Hayes was the son of the accomplished marine artist Edwin Hayes (1820-1904) and followed in his father's footsteps. His main focus was on landscape painting and this was very much in the tradition of Thomas Collier and David Cox. Hayes was trained at the R.A. Schools and later studied at Antwerp. He was elected R.I. in 1886. [1]
 
Our watercolour shares a similar motif to many of Cox's famous works and also shares inspiration from Constable. It is a delightful work and a great example of Hayes's skill as a watercolourist.
 
Medium: watercolour on paper, signed l.l. 'Claude Hayes', 34.6 x 23.9cm, mounted (51.6 x 40cm).
 
Provenance: Abbott & Holder (label verso on old backing board, this will come with the mounted watercolour).
 
Literature:
 
[1] Huon Mallieu (2002), 'The Dictionary of British Watercolour Artists up to 1920: Volume I A-L', Antique Collectors Club: Woodbridge, p.303. See entry on artist.
 
Condition report: generally very good for its age. There is some time staining and this is obvious on the edges from a previous mount. Please see photos.