Artwork
A View across the Park, Chatsworth, Derbyshire
A View across the Park, Chatsworth, Derbyshire is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist John Burgess. It dates from 1844 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
John Burgess’s 1844 drawing entitled A View across the Park, Chatsworth, Derbyshire is executed in graphite on laid paper. The work measures a modest size typical of field sketches and presents a landscape of the Chatsworth estate rendered in monochrome tones.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a gently sloping hill within the park, its surface covered with grass and interspersed with trees. A winding path traverses the middle of the scene, drawing the eye toward a distant line of trees that recede into the horizon, suggesting a tranquil, open countryside.
Technique & Style
Burgess employs loose, gestural lines to suggest form rather than render fine detail. The graphite marks vary in density, with darker strokes indicating shadowed areas and lighter, more delicate strokes conveying illuminated surfaces. The laid paper’s subtle texture contributes to the overall tonal quality of the drawing.
History & Provenance
Created in 1844, the drawing reflects the mid‑nineteenth‑century interest in documenting natural scenery. While specific ownership records are limited, the work remains associated with the Chatsworth estate, illustrating Burgess’s practice of on‑site sketching during visits to the park.
Artist & collection
