Who painted A Sussex Down?

A Sussex Down was painted by Frank Short in 1898.

Where can I see A Sussex Down?

A Sussex Down is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is A Sussex Down?

A Sussex Down is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

A Sussex Down

Frank Short , 1898

A Sussex Down is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Frank Short. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1898, *A Sussex Down* is a black mezzotint executed on wove paper. The print presents a quiet rural scene of rolling hills beneath a cloudy sky, rendered with subtle tonal shifts that convey depth and atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The composition features a solitary figure standing in a field, suggesting a moment of work or contemplation within the landscape. The muted palette and gentle gradations emphasize the tranquil character of the countryside rather than narrative detail.

Technique & Style

Frank Short employed the mezzotint process, a method that allows for rich, velvety blacks and delicate transitions between light and dark. His handling of tone creates a soft, almost impressionistic impression of light, despite the print’s monochrome medium.

History & Provenance

Short, a British printmaker noted for revitalising mezzotint and related intaglio techniques, produced this work during a period when he was actively teaching and influencing the printmaking community. He later served as President of the Royal Society of Painter‑Etchers & Engravers from 1910 to 1938, a role that underscored his standing in the field.

Context

The print reflects the late‑19th‑century interest in rural England as a subject for artists seeking to capture atmospheric effects. While the visual language hints at Impressionist concerns with light and mood, Short’s approach remains rooted in the precise, tonal control characteristic of intaglio printmaking.