Artwork

River Stour

River Stour, by David Lucas, ink, 1830
River Stour, by David Lucas, ink, 1830

River Stour is an ink print by the Romanticist artist David Lucas. It dates from 1830 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

River Stour is a mezzotint print by David Lucas, dated to 1830. This work is a progress proof, showcasing the artist's process.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene river landscape with a wooden bridge, a sailboat moored beneath a tree, and figures on the bridge. A church or house is visible on the horizon under a somber, cloud-filled sky.

Technique & Style

Lucas employed mezzotint to achieve a nuanced interplay of light and shadow, prioritizing mood over precise detail. This approach is characteristic of Romanticism, which often highlighted the emotional potential of natural settings.

Context

The style and themes of River Stour reflect the influence of Romanticism, an artistic movement that emphasized the expressive qualities of nature.

Artist & collection

Portrait of David Lucas

Artist

David Lucas

David Lucas (1802–1881) was a British artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.