Artwork

Landscape with drover and cattle

Landscape with drover and cattle, by Robert Hills, watercolor, 1809
Landscape with drover and cattle, by Robert Hills, watercolor, 1809

Landscape with drover and cattle is a watercolor work on paper by the British Romanticist artist Robert Hills. It dates from 1809 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This watercolour, created by Robert Hills in 1809, depicts a serene rural scene. It is a characteristic example of Hills' work, showcasing his focus on everyday country life.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows a drover guiding cattle, including a brown cow, white donkeys, and sheep, near a simple wooden fence. The scene conveys a sense of quiet activity, with the animals roaming freely amidst a natural setting.

Technique & Style

Hills employed soft, earthy colours to capture the scene, with muted tones for the animals and fence, and greens for the trees. The watercolour technique allows for a delicate, nuanced representation of the rural landscape.

History & Provenance

Robert Hills, a British painter and etcher, studied under John Alexander Gresse and at the Royal Academy of Arts. The work is now held in the Victoria and Albert Museum, exemplifying the British Romanticism movement's emphasis on natural settings.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Robert Hills

Artist

Robert Hills

Robert Hills (26 June 1769 – 14 May 1844) was an English painter and etcher. Hills was born in Islington. He initially studied under John Alexander Gresse, then enrolled at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1788. He…