Updated November 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 6 works by John Da Costa in our catalogue
In short
Of all the originals John Da Costa left, the most famous is Pastoral Scene (1892), in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK), Ghent. Close behind it come Idleness (1898) and Marjorie Armstrong (1895). Our catalog holds 6 works by John Da Costa; the gallery has kept the 6 the world admires most, each shown with its date, its museum and its story.
The quietude of 1892 settles over the canvas in "Pastoral Scene," a work that captures a fleeting moment of stillness. The artist, John Da Costa, brings this scene to life through a lens of naturalism, grounding the viewer in a specific, tranquil reality. Every brushstroke seems to hold its breath, preserving a sense of peace that feels as though it is happening right now, just beyond the frame.
The 2 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by John Da Costa | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK) |
Ghent | 1 | Pastoral Scene |
 Penlee House |
Penzance | 1 | Marjorie Armstrong |
From 1892 to 1912, John Da Costa worked for 21 years: the selection follows that long career year by year, through its finest originals.
Pick a year to see its originals.
The quietude of 1892 settles over the canvas in "Pastoral Scene," a work that captures a fleeting moment of stillness. The artist, John Da Costa, brings this scene to life through a lens of naturalism, grounding the viewer in a specific, tranquil reality. Every brushstroke seems to hold its breath, preserving a sense of peace that feels as though it is happening right now, just beyond the frame.
Pastoral Scene (1892), Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK), Ghent. Idleness (1898) and Marjorie Armstrong (1895) come next.
25 years old: Pastoral Scene dates from 1892, and John Da Costa was born in 1867.
Our catalog holds 6 works by John Da Costa, dated from 1892 to 1912.
Mostly in Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK) (Ghent) and Penlee House (Penzance). The museum table above lists them all.
On this page, the earliest is Pastoral Scene (1892) and the latest Miss Vera Butler (1912).
Located in the heart of London, John Wesley’s House stands as a testament to the profound impact of one man's unwavering faith and dedication to social reform. Established in 1790 by George Whitefield and Robert Sykes, this historic building houses a museum dedicated to preserving Wesley’s legacy and showcasing Methodism’s formative years.
Born in São Paulo in 1867, John Wesley’s House – The Museum of Methodism is a cornerstone of Methodist history, offering visitors insights into the movement's origins and enduring values. Its collections include documents, photographs, and artifacts documenting Wesley’s life and ministry.
“The Glen Walker Sisters” exemplifies Da Costa’s mastery of portraiture and his ability to convey emotion through visual representation. The painting portrays three young women—likely sisters—in a serene garden setting, bathed in soft sunlight. Da Costa's meticulous attention to detail captures the delicate textures of fabric and skin, conveying an aura of grace and tranquility.
Symbolism:Da Costa’s involvement in Grupo dos Cinco marked a pivotal moment in Brazilian art history, propelling it toward European modernist trends. The group's members debated artistic approaches and championed innovative techniques—challenging traditional academic conventions.
Key Influences:John Wesley’s House – The Museum of Methodism continues to serve as a beacon of Methodist faith and scholarship, attracting visitors from around the globe. Da Costa's artistic contributions solidified Brazilian Modernism's position within the international art landscape.
