Who painted The edge of the lake?

The edge of the lake was painted by Paul Nash in 1923.

Where can I see The edge of the lake?

The edge of the lake is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

The edge of the lake by Paul Nash (1923) — Meaning & Museum

About this work

The date in the corner (1923) suggests it’s an older work, but it doesn’t look like the careful drawings you’d expect from that time.

This sketch shows a loose, sketchy scene of trees and buildings by water. The lines are quick and uneven, like the artist barely kept up with their hand. Some branches twist sharply, while others fade into blurry strokes. In the background, faint outlines of a fence and a few small shapes—maybe people or boats—hint at a lakeside setting.

The drawing feels half-finished, with big empty patches of paper. That might be on purpose—like the artist was more interested in movement than detail. The date in the corner (1923) suggests it’s an older work, but it doesn’t look like the careful drawings you’d expect from that time.

If you like this loose, sketchy style, check out cross-hatching.

Overview

The work is a drawing dated 1923 that depicts a narrow lane flanked by low fences, extending toward a solitary, prominent tree on the horizon. The composition suggests a lakeside environment, with faint indications of water‑edge structures and distant figures.

Subject & Meaning

The scene captures a quiet passage leading to a focal tree, perhaps symbolizing a point of arrival or contemplation within a natural setting. The minimal background elements—suggested fences, small shapes that may be people or boats—imply a tranquil, inhabited shoreline.

Technique & Style

Executed with rapid, uneven lines, the drawing conveys a sense of immediacy. Branches are rendered with both sharp, angular strokes and softer, blurred marks, while large areas of untouched paper create a deliberately unfinished appearance, emphasizing movement over precise detail.

History & Provenance

The piece bears a date of 1923 in its lower corner, placing it in the early twentieth century. Its informal, sketch‑like quality diverges from the more meticulous drawing practices commonly associated with that period, indicating a personal or experimental approach by the artist.

Artist & collection

Artist

Paul Nash

Paul Nash (11 May 1889 – 11 July 1946) was a British surrealist painter and war artist, as well as a photographer, writer and designer of applied art.