This late 19th-century British watercolour depicts a tranquil river landscape with a sail barge, figures and bridge.

As the early evening sun drifts over the horizon, the sky becomes a wispy convergence of gentle golden tints. Silvery waters shimmer with a crisp radiance as a small barge moves downstream with its sail billowing. This is rural England, sketched outdoors amid nature’s beguiling splendour.

The exact location is unknown but the composition is reminiscent of a work by Peter de Wint (1784-1849) titled ‘Walton on Thames’. Throughout the 19th century, artists flocked to this majestic river to capture its alluring charms. Note the change in approach to describe the woodland in the distance, with its hazy bluish hue and lighter appearance. While the rugged copse on the left is a sketchy mosaic of greens with earthy brown.

Held within a later frame and glazed.

Medium: Watercolour on paper
Overall size: 28½” x 17” / 72cm x 43cm
Year of creation: c. 1880
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.