Lake Scene, North Wales 1811

David Cox painted this watercolor titled "Lake Scene, North Wales" some time in the first half of the 19th century. Cox’s vision of North Wales reflects a growing trend in British culture. The Romantic movement encouraged artists to turn away from historical and mythological scenes and focus on landscapes instead. This fashion was connected to social changes. Improved transport and a growing middle class meant that more people than ever before had the chance to travel around the country. Paintings of beautiful places became popular souvenirs and sources of national pride. At the same time, the rise of industrial cities made the countryside seem even more appealing. To understand Cox’s image better, you might look at guidebooks and travel writing from the period. These sources offer a better understanding of what North Wales meant to British people at the time.