Artwork

A Loch in Scotland

A Loch in Scotland, by George Fennel Robson, graphite, 1810
A Loch in Scotland, by George Fennel Robson, graphite, 1810

A Loch in Scotland is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist George Fennel Robson. It dates from 1810 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

George Fennell Robson’s 1810 work titled A Loch in Scotland is a watercolor drawing executed on wove paper. The piece combines graphite underdrawing with transparent watercolor washes, presenting a tranquil highland scene rendered in a modest format.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts a calm lake set against steep, rugged mountains, its surface reflecting sky and surrounding hills. Cattle graze near the shore while autumn‑colored trees frame the right side, suggesting a pastoral moment within a wild landscape.

Technique & Style

Robson employed thin, layered washes of watercolor over a graphite sketch, a method known as glazing, to build atmospheric depth and subtle luminosity. The delicate tonal transitions convey the stillness of water and the soft, diffused light of the scene.

History & Provenance

Created in 1810, the drawing reflects Robson’s early 19th‑century interest in Scottish topography. It remains documented as part of his oeuvre of landscape studies, though specific ownership records beyond its initial creation are limited.

Artist & collection

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