Artwork

Street in the Outskirts of Besançon, France

Street in the Outskirts of Besançon, France, by Richard Parkes Bonington, 1827
Street in the Outskirts of Besançon, France, by Richard Parkes Bonington, 1827

Street in the Outskirts of Besançon, France is a print by the Romanticist artist Richard Parkes Bonington. It dates from 1827 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Street in the Outskirts of Besançon, France, a 1827 print by English Romantic landscape painter Richard Parkes Bonington, captures a nuanced street scene in France, blending traditional and modern artistic elements.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a contrasted street scene with dilapidated and intact old buildings, alongside a serene crowd of people in 19th-century attire, juxtaposing decay with everyday calm amidst a dramatic, dark sky.

Technique & Style

Bonington's characteristic fluid technique and mastery of light and shadow create depth, emphasizing the interplay of tones to evoke a sense of drama in an otherwise mundane setting.

History & Provenance

Created in 1827, the work is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, reflecting Bonington's prolific output during his time in France.

Context

This piece aligns with the Romantic movement's emphasis on emotion and the sublime, though Bonington's approach remains distinct through his blend of traditional influences with a contemporary, observational style.

Legacy

While not broadly recognized as a singular landmark of Romanticism, the piece contributes to Bonington's reputation for capturing the atmospheric and emotional depth of everyday landscapes.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Richard Parkes Bonington

Artist

Richard Parkes Bonington

Richard Parkes Bonington (25 October 1802 – 23 September 1828) was an English Romantic landscape painter.

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