The Sunny South marks a significant point in Langley's development, and was painted at a time when, having built his reputation with major watercolours, he was seeking to emulate this success in oils.
Langley was confronted at Newlyn by an influx of new artists, who painted almost exclusively in oils in the French plein-air manner inspired by Jules Bastien-Lepage. This represented a fresh challenge to Langley and this work was his response. The subject is the view, with photographic clarity, from the artist's home, Pembroke Lodge, looking down towards Newlyn.
Provenance
Sold by artist 1886. Purchase by Peter Nahum, Sotheby 1994. Sold to present owner 1994. Now selling via Peter Nahum prior to going to live abroad.