Artwork

Landscape with Cottage and Stream

Landscape with Cottage and Stream, by Thomas Gainsborough, watercolor, 1750
Landscape with Cottage and Stream, by Thomas Gainsborough, watercolor, 1750

Landscape with Cottage and Stream is a watercolor work on paper by the Rococo painting artist Thomas Gainsborough. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This watercolour, created by Thomas Gainsborough during his early career in Suffolk, England, is one of the few surviving watercolour drawings from this period.

Subject & Meaning

The piece depicts a serene landscape featuring a cottage and a stream, though its specific inspiration or symbolism, if any, is not explicitly documented.

Technique & Style

Characterized by a high level of finish, the work includes visible double lines around the edges, originally intended as a framing border, showcasing Gainsborough's meticulous approach.

History & Provenance

Likely created for sale, this watercolour reflects Gainsborough's practice of producing detailed watercolours either for direct transaction, patronage, or potential engraving publication.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Thomas Gainsborough

Artist

Thomas Gainsborough

Thomas Gainsborough (; 14 May 1727 (baptised) – 2 August 1788) was an English painter, draughtsman and printmaker who specialised in portrait and landscape painting.