Wicklow Hills 1843

Elizabeth Murray, a British artist who traveled extensively, made this watercolor painting, Wicklow Hills. Her travels took place in an era when gender significantly shaped one's opportunities and experiences. Murray was one of the first women to make a living as a professional artist. Despite the limitations placed on women during the Victorian era, Murray defied convention. She used her artistic talents to support herself and her family. In this artwork, there is a very palpable feeling of being on the road, as an outsider, looking in. We can feel Murray making a record of it, making a living from it. With its soft brushstrokes and muted tones, Wicklow Hills captures a tranquil moment in the Irish countryside. As you look at it, think about the artist’s personal journey, and the social conventions she had to overcome. The scene evokes a sense of peace, yet it also subtly acknowledges the complex layers of identity and history that Murray carried with her.