Sheep in the Shade by Marmaduke Matthews captures a peaceful summer moment: four sheep graze quietly in a sun-dappled meadow, nestled beneath the cool shade of a leafy tree. A mossy green palette, contrasted with glowing sunlit grasses, creates a luminous focal point. Gentle clouds drift above, and a glimpse of calm water below evokes the ease and splendour of Canada’s spectacular summers.

Marmaduke Matthews, a British-born Canadian artist, was known for his pastoral landscapes and masterful use of light and colour. As one of the early painters to explore and document Canada’s natural beauty, his work offers a poetic vision of the land during a time of transformation.

This intimate oil measures just 4.5 x 7 inches, is signed in the bottom right, and is beautifully preserved under museum glass.