River Landscape in Wales c. 1850

David Cox created this watercolour landscape of Wales sometime in the first half of the 19th century. In Britain at this time, there was a growing sense of national identity and pride in the natural landscape. The rugged mountains and fast-flowing rivers of Wales were seen as particularly picturesque. The image creates meaning through its visual codes and cultural references. The picturesque aesthetic, popular in Britain at this time, emphasized the beauty of nature and the sublime power of the landscape. The historical associations of Wales as a land of ancient Celtic culture added to its appeal. The rise of industrialism and urbanization in Britain led to a nostalgic yearning for the countryside. Paintings like this helped to promote the idea of a simpler, more natural way of life. As historians, we can use sources such as travel guides, topographical studies, and literary texts to understand the popularity of the Welsh landscape in British culture.