Artwork

Horstead Mill on the River Bure, Norfolk

Horstead Mill on the River Bure, Norfolk, by James Bulwer, graphite, 1838
Horstead Mill on the River Bure, Norfolk, by James Bulwer, graphite, 1838

Horstead Mill on the River Bure, Norfolk is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist James Bulwer. It dates from 1838 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Horstead Mill on the River Bure, Norfolk is a watercolor drawing executed over graphite by James Bulwer in 1838, depicting a serene riverside landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The scene centers on a windmill amidst a tranquil riverside setting, with a few small buildings, conveying a sense of peacefulness. The composition balances warm autumnal hues on the left with cooler, darker greens on the right, evoking a natural harmony.

Technique & Style

Bulwer employed light, loose brushstrokes to achieve a dreamy effect. The calm water reflects the sky and foliage, suggesting the use of watercolor glazing techniques to build up soft, reflective colors.

History & Provenance

Created in 1838 by James Bulwer, specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

The work reflects the early 19th-century interest in depicting serene, rural landscapes, common in British watercolor tradition of the time.

Legacy

The legacy of this specific work is not detailed in the provided information, though it contributes to the broader body of British watercolor landscapes from its era.

Artist & collection

Portrait of James Bulwer

Artist

James Bulwer

James Bulwer (1830–1830) was an artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.