John Maclauchlan Milne RSA (1885-1957) Cornfield, SannoxJohn Maclauchlan Milne RSA (1885-1957)Cornfield, Sannox signed 'Maclauchlan Milne' (lower right)oil on canvas50.5 x 60.5cm (19 7/8 x 23 13/16in).ProvenancePrivate collection, UK.ExhibitedPossibly, Edinburgh, Royal Scottish Academy, 1944, no. 174.After more than 30 years based in Dundee, John Maclauchlan Milne left for Arran in 1940 and lived at High Corrie until near the end of his life in 1957. His subsequent work focussed on landscapes within only a few miles of his home. He painted several landscapes of Sannox Bay and Cornfield – Sannox, probably in the summer of 1943, is a view nearby.By a process of elimination, it is likely that this is the example shown in the RSA exhibition in 1944. Milne's idyllically bright depictions of Arran were highly acclaimed with special mentions in The Scotsman's reviews:'Maclauchlan Milne's pictures are gay sure as ever in touch, and suggest that he enjoys himself when painting. "Arran Croft" and "Cornfield, Sannox" are typical.' (The Scotsman, Royal Scottish Academy – High Standards in Exhibition: - first notice, 21 April 1944, p. 4)'Maclauchlan Milne exhibits three Arran landscapes. "Cornfield Sannox" is typical of his skill in composition and power in harmonising an extensive range of colour.' (The Scotsman, Royal Scottish Academy - Some Notable Landscapes: second notice, 6 May 1944, p. 4)The present painting has been in vendor's family collection for the past 60 years. This important discovery demonstrates Milne's skilful use of colour, the palette of his later work becoming more direct, and his sense of design. Painted in a broad and self-assured manner, it conveys how well Milne understood the remarkable pictorial qualities of his surroundings.Bonhams thank Maurice Millar for his assistance with researching this painting. Maurice is the author of the new illustrated biography entitled The Missing Colourist – the search for John Maclauchan Milne, RSA.