Oil on board, displayed in a wonderful new ornate frame. Unsigned and we believe unfinished. Several reputable English auction stamps verso, including Christie’s. At one point the painting was believed to be by Richard Parkes Bonington as it is also inscribed verso, but this has not been verified - we believe it to be at the very least a close follower of Bonington. This mysterious painting is a fantasy of movement and color. The specter of hooded figures reveals that this is the procession for Good Friday which takes place throughout the Catholic countries of Europe. The subject is inspired by Richard Parkes Bonington’s paintings of religious processions, and probably depicts one such procession in either Normandy or Venice - both cities of which Bonington created similar pieces. In the tradition of Bonington the work was meant to be a small cabinet painting of a cultural theme. While the painting seems an example of Expressionism, in actuality it is the initial layers of paint, the underpainting of swaths of color that help achieve the luminosity and emotional impact of the finished work. Richard Parkes Bonington (1802 - 1828) was one England’s most gifted painters. Tragically, he died before his 26th birthday; had he lived, we can only imagine what his visionary genius would have engendered. Bonington’s family moved to France when he was fourteen and a large part of his work represents towns and seascapes in France. Bonington absorbed the romanticism of both Constable and Delacroix, yet his works exude calm classicism - while brimming with life. At his passing he left an oeuvre that was truly prolific, paintings that are spellbindingly beautiful in a way unequaled by few. This is a fascinating piece for the collector. Measurements: 13-1/2 x 18-1/2 Framed 6-7/8 x 11-1/2 Board itself