Artwork
The Stream at Rest
The Stream at Rest is an oil painting by the British Romanticist artist Richard Redgrave. It dates from 1848 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Richard Redgrave’s 1848 oil painting, titled *The Stream at Rest*, depicts a tranquil watercourse bordered by woodland on one side and open field on the other. A modest wooden bridge spans the stream, while four figures linger near the bank, engaged in quiet conversation. The composition balances natural foliage with human presence, creating a scene of serene contemplation.
Subject & Meaning
The work illustrates a peaceful riverside setting where the water appears still, reflecting the surrounding trees whose leaves shift between green and yellow.
The work illustrates a peaceful riverside setting where the water appears still, reflecting the surrounding trees whose leaves shift between green and yellow. The four individuals, positioned against a low fence, suggest a moment of rest within the landscape. Redgrave drew thematic inspiration from James Thomson’s poem *The Seasons*, echoing the poet’s portrayal of a stream that favors calm, secluded valleys.
Technique & Style
Redgrave employs a smooth, blended brushwork that unifies the palette and renders the forest with a lush, harmonious quality. Subtle glazing builds depth, allowing light to illuminate the foliage while casting gentle shadows beneath the trees. The delicate handling of reflections in the water contributes to the overall sense of stillness and atmospheric softness.
History & Provenance
After its completion, *The Stream at Rest* was shown at the Royal Academy’s 1849 exhibition, where it was noted for its lyrical treatment of the English countryside. The painting subsequently entered a private collection, remaining largely within British ownership throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries before being acquired by a regional museum in the mid‑1900s.
Artist & collection
Artist
Richard Redgrave was an English landscape artist, genre painter, author, and administrator.
