Derwent Water
Print, specifically a vintage color lithograph or photogravure reproduction on paper. • After Samuel Bough (1822–1878). The label at the bottom explicitly attributes the work to 'S. Bough'.
Style & Movement
English Romanticism / Victorian Landscape School; characterized by the 'Picturesque' aesthetic common in Lake District depictions.
Medium & Technique
Lithography or photogravure with color printing. The original painting would have been oil on canvas, but this image displays the mechanical dot or grain pattern of a 20th-century commercial reproduction.
Creation Period
The original painting dates to the mid-19th century (c. 1830s-1850s); this specific print likely dates from the late 19th to early 20th century.
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format. Estimated image size is approximately 16 x 20 inches, framed within a larger mount.
Subject Description
A panoramic view of Derwentwater in the Lake District, England. The foreground features a stone bridge over a turbulent stream, with cattle and a herdsman crossing. The background shows the tranquil lake and the misty mountains of the Borrowdale valley, utilizing atmospheric perspective to suggest vast distance.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. There is noticeable blue/cool-toned color shifting, likely due to UV exposure fading the red and yellow pigments over time.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD (As a common reproduction of a Victorian master).
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD.
Provenance History
Likely a mass-produced decorative print sold through art dealers or galleries in the UK. The presentation with a professional mount and nameplate suggests it was part of a residential or corporate collection.
Art Historical Significance
Samuel Bough was a prominent Scottish landscape painter known for his ability to capture light and weather. Derwentwater was a quintessential subject for Victorian artists seeking to capture the sublime nature of the British Isles. While this is a print, it reflects the 19th-century public's desire to own 'Old Master' style views of iconic British scenery.
Notable Features
Includes a pre-printed title and attribution plate at the bottom center: 'DERWENT WATER by S. Bough (1822-1878)', which is typical of early 20th-century gallery framing.
Condition Issues
Significant color fading (cyanosis), minor foxing visible in the margins, and possible acidity in the mounting board which may cause 'mat burn' over time.
Conservation Recommendations
Re-frame using acid-free museum-grade matting and UV-protective glass to prevent further color degradation. Keep away from direct sunlight.