Artwork
Study of tree stems at King George's Hill, Abinger
Study of tree stems at King George's Hill, Abinger is a drawing by Richard Redgrave. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Richard Redgrave’s 1850 black‑chalk drawing records the tree stems on King George’s Hill, a site near Abinger in Surrey. Executed as a compact study, the work concentrates on a dense grouping of trunks and roots, with only narrow strips of sky visible through the foliage. The drawing’s purpose appears documentary, capturing the character of the woodland at a specific moment.
Subject & Meaning
The composition isolates the verticality of the trees, emphasizing their rugged bark and intertwined branches. By limiting the background, Redgrave directs attention to the physicality of the trunks, suggesting an interest in the natural form and perhaps the ecological qualities of the hill’s forested landscape.
Technique & Style
Rendered in black chalk, the piece relies on layered, scratchy strokes and cross‑hatching to convey texture. The lines build a tactile surface that evokes the roughness of bark and the density of the canopy. The rapid, almost sketch‑like handling indicates a preparatory study rather than a polished finished work.
History & Provenance
Created in 1850, the drawing belongs to Redgrave’s early career, a period when he produced numerous topographical sketches for publications and personal research. Its provenance traces back to collections of British landscape studies, though specific ownership details remain limited.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Richard Redgrave was an English landscape artist, genre painter, author, and administrator.
