Artwork
The Head of Ullswater

The Head of Ullswater is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist Edward Dayes. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Head of Ullswater is a drawing by Edward Dayes, created around 1794 using watercolor over graphite on wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a serene valley with a winding river, rolling hills, and sparse trees. A rocky cliff dominates one side, set against a light sky. The soft color palette, dominated by grays and blues, evokes a sense of calm.
Technique & Style
Dayes achieved the drawing's gentle, dreamy quality by applying thin layers of watercolor. This technique, characteristic of late 18th-century art, emphasizes the beauty of natural landscapes.
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