Lago Avernus 1867 - 1870

William Trost Richards created this watercolor titled "Lago Avernus." Dominating the artwork is a tranquil lake set within a landscape of soft greens and blues. The composition, structured by the horizontal layout, invites the eye to wander from the foreground's lush foliage, to the calm waters of the lake, and then out to the distant mountains. Richards masterfully employs watercolor to convey the play of light on the water's surface and the textures of the surrounding vegetation. The subdued palette evokes a sense of serenity. This approach is consistent with the interest in capturing natural effects, reflecting broader artistic concerns of the period. Notice how the formal arrangement of elements—the positioning of the lake, the alignment of trees, and the modulation of color—creates a cohesive visual experience. This illustrates Richards' dedication to the formal aspects of painting as a means of conveying a harmonious vision of the natural world.