Who painted Distant View of Windsor?

Distant View of Windsor was painted by David Cox in 1850.

Where can I see Distant View of Windsor?

Distant View of Windsor is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Can I buy a print of Distant View of Windsor?

Museum-quality prints of Distant View of Windsor are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Distant View of Windsor

David Cox , 1850

Distant View of Windsor is a drawing by David Cox. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

David Cox’s 1850 drawing titled Distant View of Windsor presents a tranquil countryside scene. Rendered in muted greens, browns and blues, the composition captures a solitary figure traversing an arid field, with a small flock of sheep near a line of trees under a pale, cloud‑streaked sky. The work conveys a moment of quiet observation rather than narrative drama.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing focuses on everyday rural life: a lone walker, grazing sheep, and a modest stand of trees. By placing the human figure within an expansive, open landscape, Cox emphasizes the modest scale of human activity against the broader natural environment, suggesting a contemplative relationship between people and the land.

Technique & Style

Cox employs swift, loose brushstrokes that give the surface a sense of immediacy. Edges are left intentionally rough, hinting at a rapid execution. The palette is restrained, with soft, muted tones that blend into one another, reinforcing the subdued atmosphere of the scene.

History & Provenance

Created in 1850, the drawing is part of Cox’s extensive output of landscape studies made during his mid‑career. While specific ownership details are limited, the work is documented in the artist’s catalogue raisonné and has been referenced in collections focusing on 19th‑century British drawing.

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Artist & collection

Artist

David Cox

David Cox (29 April 1783 – 7 June 1859) was an English landscape painter, one of the most important members of the Birmingham School of landscape artists and an early precursor of Impressionism.