Artwork

Coastline and Mountains

Coastline and Mountains, by William Howis junior, unspecified, 1852
Coastline and Mountains, by William Howis junior, unspecified, 1852

Coastline and Mountains is an unspecified painting by William Howis junior. It dates from 1852 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.

About this work

Overview

William Howis junior’s oil painting, dated around 1852, depicts a tranquil coastal scene where a calm body of water leads the eye toward distant mountains. The composition is anchored by a modest structure on the horizon, offering a reference for scale and inviting contemplation of the landscape’s quiet expanse.

Subject & Meaning

The work presents a serene natural environment, juxtaposing the reflective water with the solidity of distant peaks. The muted palette and gentle cloud cover emphasize a mood of peacefulness, suggesting an appreciation for the subtle beauty of an unspoiled shoreline rather than a dramatic narrative.

Technique & Style

Howis employs a restrained colour scheme of blues, greens, and earth tones, allowing tonal variations to convey depth. Light and shadow are handled with a modest chiaroscuro, creating a soft contrast that defines forms without harsh delineation, characteristic of mid‑nineteenth‑century Irish landscape painting.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1852, the painting entered the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the institution’s commitment to preserving works by Irish artists who documented local scenery during the period.

Artist & collection