This charming mid-19th-century oil painting depicts a river landscape with a thatched cottage, boatmen, and windmill. It’s reminiscent of works by English artist Edward Williams (1781-1855).

Modelled somewhat on the luminaries of the Dutch Golden Age, this rugged depiction of rural life dates to around 1850. On the right, a rowing boat, probably a river ferry, transports its be-hatted passengers from a time-worn jetty across a shimmering waterway. Alongside, a boathouse with a buckled roof is partially submerged, perhaps incidentally rather than by design. On the left, a thatched cottage with a small circular window and distinctive brick chimney peers above dense foliage.

It’s interesting to compare the spirit of this work with ‘Windmill at the Riverside’ by Dutch artist Meindert Hobbema (1638-1709), as the influence becomes clear.

Edward Williams was the patriarch of the Williams family of painters, which included Edward Charles Williams (1807-1881), Sidney Richard Percy Williams (1821-1886), and Alfred Walter Williams (1824-1905). The 17th-century Dutch masters were a cornerstone of ‘old’ Williams’ teachings, and it’s plausible that he contributed to this piece.

Held in a later frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas laid on wood
Overall size: 25½” x 21” / 65cm x 53cm
Year of creation: c. 1850
Provenance: Private collection, UK.
Condition: Cleaned. Fine craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Frame in good condition with minor age-related wear.
Our reference: BRV2150