Artwork
Near Arklow, County Wicklow
Near Arklow, County Wicklow is an unspecified painting by William Howis senior. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.
About this work
Overview
William Howis senior’s 1840 oil painting, titled Near Arklow, County Wicklow, presents a quiet Irish countryside scene. A gentle slope leads the eye toward a small group of figures on a path, framed by distant mountains under a cloud‑filled sky. The composition balances land and sky, inviting contemplation of the landscape’s calm atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The work captures a moment of everyday rural life, with travelers moving along a winding lane that disappears into the horizon. By placing the figures modestly within the broader natural setting, Howis emphasizes the harmony between human activity and the surrounding environment, reflecting a contemplative view of the Irish countryside.
Technique & Style
Howis employs a restrained palette of muted earth tones, applying soft, blended brushstrokes that dissolve sharp edges and create a gentle atmospheric effect. The subtle gradations of light suggest a warm, low sun, while the handling of clouds and distant hills conveys a sense of depth without overt detail, aligning with Romantic sensibilities toward nature.
History & Provenance
Completed in 1840, the painting entered the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the gallery’s commitment to representing 19th‑century Irish landscape painting and preserving works by artists such as Howis who documented regional scenery.
Artist & collection
Riverbank below the Great and Little Sugarloaf Mountains, County Wicklow
Hen's Castle, Lough Corrib, County Galway
Mill and Cottage
The Great and Little Sugarloaf Mountains, County Wicklow
View towards the Great and Little Sugarloaf Mountains, County Wicklow
River at Evening
Lake below Mountains
Farmhouse and Cattle near Mountains
Figures against the Sky
Mountains and Cattle