About this work

This painting features a landscape with a calm body of water dominating the lower portion. The view is slightly elevated, overlooking the water that reflects the surrounding greenery and sky. Two white swans glide on the river, which is surrounded by green trees and shrubs. In the distance, a large tan castle with multiple towers and crenellations stands above the trees. In front of the castle, on the right side of the painting, a smaller structure with white walls and red roofs sits, surrounded by greenery. One or two people appear to sit out in front of it, and on the right sheep lay in the soft green grass. The color palette includes deep greens, soft browns, and varying shades of blue.

Description from the National Gallery of Art.

Jasper Francis Cropsey painted this in 1857, aged 34. It is now at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.

How it was made

Oil paint: Pigment ground in a drying oil, usually linseed. It dries slowly, so painters could blend on the canvas, build up thin translucent glazes, and rework a picture over weeks. Canvas replaced wooden panels in the 1500s because it is lighter and can be rolled.