Artwork
On the River Yare in Norfolk
On the River Yare in Norfolk is a watercolor work on paper by the Hudson River School artist Edward RWS Duncan. It dates from 1858 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This watercolour, signed and dated by its creator, portrays a tranquil stretch of the River Yare in Norfolk.
About this work
Overview
This watercolour, signed and dated by its creator, portrays a tranquil stretch of the River Yare in Norfolk. A narrow dirt track leads to a modest wooden gate, beside which a small group of figures pause. The riverbank is dotted with trees and shrubbery, while a distant boat drifts on the water beneath a partly clouded sky.
Subject & Meaning
The composition captures a quiet, rural moment, emphasizing the relationship between human presence and the natural landscape. The figures near the gate suggest a pause in travel, inviting viewers to contemplate the calm rhythm of river life and the subtle interplay of light and water.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the work employs soft brushwork and a restrained palette of muted tones. Delicate washes convey atmospheric light, while careful modulation of shadow creates depth across the water’s surface and surrounding foliage, producing a serene visual effect.
History & Provenance
The painting bears the artist’s signature and date, confirming its authorship and placing it within the artist’s own chronological output. No further ownership details are recorded in the available documentation.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edward Duncan painted quiet coastal scenes and river views in Britain during the 1840s–1860s.
