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The Horseshoe Bend of the Severn
The Horseshoe Bend of the Severn

The Horseshoe Bend of the Severn

Artist (Birkenhead, England, 1860 - 1942)
Date1909
Mediumoil on canvas
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsOverall: Height: 102.3 cm, Width: 152.6 cm
Frame: Height: 139.5 cm, Width: 190.1 cm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1919 with income from the Macdonald Bequest.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG003365
About MePhilip Wilson Steer was a key figure in bringing the influence of French art to Britain, especially that of Impressionism. However, in his own later work, he drew from the painting of John Constable, whose vivid effects, ability to express light and atmosphere and use of broken brushwork and complementary colour had anticipated the French Impressionists.

This work is an example of the artist's mature style and demonstrates how Steer could use the lessons learned from Constable and the Impressionists to fill a landscape with light and atmosphere. The handling is loose and free, yet there is breadth and grandeur in this sweeping view, looking from the forest of Dean across the Severn valley to the distant Cotswold hills.

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Steer was instrumental in bringing Impressionism to Britain. You can see that influence in this light and atmospheric landscape.