This 19th-century oil painting by Suffolk artist Robert Burrows (1810-1883) depicts a river landscape with a thatched cottage under the morning light.

Burrows was born in Ipswich and admired the picturesque scenery around his home town. Suffolk vistas are synonymous with the great John Constable (1776-1837) and undoubtedly his passion for working from nature inspired the young Burrows. Constable once told a friend “I should paint my own places best; painting with me is but another word for feeling”. A philosophy he certainly shared.

Here, Burrows captures a view that’s likely to be either on the Orwell or Gipping River, close to Ipswich. A woman reaches into the river with a copper container - the red of her dress catches the eye. While the cottage exudes rustic charm - its chimney leaning precariously.

In 1883, an obituary mentioned that ‘No artist has reproduced more of the pleasant views which Ipswich is surrounded’.

The painting is monogrammed and housed within a splendid gilt frame.

Learn more about Robert Burrows in our directory.

Medium: Oil on panel
Overall size: 14” x 14” / 36cm x 36cm
Year of creation: c. 1870
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction highlight: £10,000 achieved for an oil painting in 1996.