Artwork

Rydal Water

Rydal Water, by Francis Towne, watercolor, 1789
Rydal Water, by Francis Towne, watercolor, 1789

Rydal Water is a watercolor work on paper by the Rococo painting artist Francis Towne. It dates from 1789 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Rydal Water is a watercolour painting by Francis Towne, created in 1789. It depicts a serene landscape in the Lake District.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows the valley of Rydal Water, with rolling hills, a winding river, and mountains rising in soft layers. Trees are clustered near the water's edge, under a pale sky with thin clouds.

Technique & Style

Towne used light colours to convey a sense of peacefulness and distance. The hills fade into the background, suggesting depth through subtle gradations of tone rather than sharp lines.

History & Provenance

The work is signed and dated by the artist, and includes an inscription of the title and a note.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Francis Towne

Artist

Francis Towne

Francis Towne (1739 – 7 July 1816) was a British watercolour painter of landscapes that range from the English Lake District to Naples and Rome.