The River Bank

Stott, Edward 1859 - 1918

Summary

An idyllic, rural scene depicting three ponies in shallow river bank; one being ridden by a young boy whilst another boy paddles beside. There is an indistict group of bathers entering the water on the opposite side of the bank. It is late afternoon as the sun is low in the sky, covering the scene in a soft light. The paintwork is finely moddled indicating in an impressionist influence. The composition is simple with water depicted in the foreground and middle ground, with a bright green river bank depicted beneath a pale blue-grey sky in the background.

Display Label

The River Bank about 1901 Edward Stott 1859-1918 Oil on canvas Around 1900 public health concerns that industrial cities were too dirty and the national youth too weak led to an emphasis on clean outdoor fun. Nude bathing might have sexual undertones, but often it was simply considered as morally and physically bracing. Here, in the twilight, the magical evocation of golden youth is nostalgic, with a sensual touch. Edward Stott was born in Rochdale, the son of a mill-owner. He attended evening classes at Manchester School of Art and completed his training in Paris in the 1880s. He settled at Amberley in Sussex in 1889, and made his name painting local people and scenes in his enchanted style. Purchased 1908.1