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The Descent of the Swan

James Ward

1819

oil

panel

From the collection of Fitzwilliam Museum

Dominant colour

The Descent of the Swan is a 1819 oil by James Ward, held at Fitzwilliam Museum.

Who painted this?: James Ward
When & what style?: 1819
Where can I see it?: Fitzwilliam Museum

About this work

This painting depicts a serene scene of swans in a lake, with one swan in mid-air, descending towards the water. The swans are predominantly white, with subtle variations in shading that suggest the use of oil paint. In the background, a stone archway frames the scene, while trees and a cloudy sky are visible in the distance. The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, drawing the viewer's eye towards the central swan. The overall mood of the painting is one of tranquility and elegance. If you're interested in learning more about the artist's technique, you might want to look up "chiaroscuro".