Works by the prolific Arthur Wardle (1864- 1949) appear regularly on the market, most often his paintings of dogs and other hunting animals. This 3ft 7in x 5ft (1.08 x 1.53m) signed oil on canvas was more unusual, however.
An Idyll of Summer was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1900 and appears to be a rarer example of his works with a classical theme. The bucolic scene was thought to allude to the mythological figure of Cygnus who, in many of the myths in which he appeared, was transformed into a swan.
Estimated at £30,000-50,000 at Dreweatts’ sale on May 27 (see main story), it failed to meet its reserve on the day but the auction house reported that it sold post-sale for £40,000 after strong interest came from two UK private collectors who missed the opportunity to bid on the day.