Artwork
A View near Lowther
A View near Lowther is an ink drawing by the Romanticist artist Peter De Wint. It dates from 1816 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Peter De Wint’s drawing A View near Lowther, executed in 1816, is rendered on two joined sheets of gray wove paper. The work combines brush, black ink, and black‑and‑white chalks over a graphite underdrawing, presenting a compact landscape study.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a tranquil, mist‑shrouded scene where a sinuous river bisects the view, flanked by softly rendered trees and scrub. A pale sky merges with the paper’s surface, while the foreground suggests damp, uneven ground, conveying a fleeting impression of a quiet riverside.
Technique & Style
De Wint employed rapid, sketch‑like strokes, allowing the ink and chalk to suggest form rather than define it. The use of cross‑hatching and subtle shading creates atmospheric depth, while the jointed paper edge introduces a slight irregularity that reinforces the work’s immediacy.
History & Provenance
Created during De Wint’s early career, the drawing reflects his practice of on‑site studies. Its provenance traces back to private collections before entering the museum’s holdings, where it remains an example of his landscape sketching methodology.
Artist & collection
