Page 152 - cn-The Art of Style Status STUDIO pres April 2024

The composition captures a view that Capability Brown had possibly envisioned when planning a
landscape scheme for Belvoir in the 1780’s. Equally, the view to the castle would have been as
Elizabeth had planned and worked towards. Elizabeth did not see the completion of the lakes or the
rebuilding work required after the fire of 1816.

A significant visual link exists through the painting of Elizabeth riding her grey mare on the estate
with the castle and lakes beyond. The majority of the painting was painted in the early 1820’s during
her lifetime by George Sanders. After her death the artist returned and added the castle and lakes
which were completed by 1824.
Typical of Brown’s aesthetic, the lake is a principle element in the parkland setting. The lake visually
links the sky and land as one, through the reflective quality of the water surface which acts as a
visually dynamic and transient element contrasting with the solidity of the landscape.
The water edge, lined with rushes-wild grasses and young trees reminds one of the elemental aspect
of nature, which contrasts with the distant castle.

FG 139861
‘View from the Lake
Autumn -Afternoon Light’
Oil on Canvas: 40x20 inches