The River Tees at Rokeby, Yorkshire

Thomas Creswick 1811 - 1869

Summary

A painting of the River Tees at Rokeby, Yorkshire, looking along the length of the river, with rocky banks and woodland on either side. Several trees are overhanging the river. To the left of a clump of rocks in the centre of the river, a man stands in the shallows, fishing, wearing dark garments and a brimmed hat. On the far right, a figure stands on the bridge, leaning over the wall. On the far left, a farm gate is visible, leading to a field beyond.

Display Label

Gallery text panel Life and Landscape High-Victorian Social and Rural Subjects The Pre-Raphaelite interest in modern life was paralleled by a more general demand for contemporary subjects. The Victorians' fascination with their growing world of new social types and changing patterns of behaviour is particularly echoed in their love of crowd scenes. Some artists tried to highlight the darker side of society by focusing on the plight of the less well off. Yet representations of the working class and unemployed are usually idealised or softened by sentimental treatment. The wealthier classes provided more popular themes in art: high society is often both celebrated and analysed in paintings of domestic interiors and social engagements. Depictions of the city and industrial activity are rare. In an age of urban degradation and mass poverty collectors sought escapism more than social reflection, which gave rise to an unparalleled market for landscapes. Typically extreme in evoking serenity or bleakness, their appeal often revolves around open-ended narratives and the presence or suggestion of human activity.