“Old English House by Moonlight”
Today we have a gorgeous night scene…
“Old English House by Moonlight” is an oil on canvas painting by the English realism artist, John Atkinson Grimshaw, from 1883. Grimshaw is remembered as one of the best artists to come from England during the Victorian era. He specialized in townscapes and nightscapes.
Grimshaw’s townscapes are detailed, precise, understated, and offer an almost photorealistic representation of this time period via paint and canvas. James Whistler has said of Grimshaw’s work, “I considered myself the inventor of Nocturnes until I saw Grimmy’s moonlit pictures.”
Grimshaw’s townscapes and night scenes were very well-received. This painting has both features. In it, he depicts a view down a cobbled town lane. The moonlight reflects off the water in between the cobblestones and sidewalk. A woman is walking away from the viewer, carrying a bundle in her arms. The trees are bare and stark against the moonlit sky. A soft glow emanates from the houses, adding a touch of warmth.
“Old English House by Moonlight” is currently in the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the United States.
For more on John Atkinson Grimshaw, please visit his short biography here.
You can find more artists to learn about here.
