View over Water at Twilight

Frederic William Burton , Irish, 1816-1900

Title

Datec.1830

MediumCharcoal with white highlights on brown paper

Dimensions

29 x 41.5 cm

Credit LinePresented, John F. Burton, 2016

Object numberNGI.2016.226

DescriptionThis undated drawing of a twilight scene is an early work by Burton, most likely made when he was growing up in Ireland. The casual nature of the mark-making indicates that it was probably drawn ‘on the spot’. The large house, possibly a mill-house, overlooking a lake or river is roughly drawn. Burton’s drawing manages to evoke the monochrome appearance of a landscape once the sun has set and colour drains away. Although not of particular artistic merit it is of significance as it shows Burton exploring different ways of drawing before the meticulous style of his maturity came to the fore.