In Provence 

Henry Rushbury created this watercolor of Provence at some point in his career. Rushbury was primarily known for his etchings and drypoints of architectural subjects, often focusing on historical buildings and cityscapes. Here, Rushbury has applied his careful eye to the natural landscape of southern France. One could consider this work within the tradition of landscape painting, particularly as it developed in the 19th century with the rise of plein air painting. The Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, many of whom painted in Provence, sought to capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere in their work. Rushbury's approach here, though, feels more restrained and academic. This aesthetic conservatism may be due to the institutional structures that shaped his career. Rushbury was a member of the Royal Academy, an institution often seen as upholding traditional artistic values. To fully understand this work, we might want to consult exhibition records, catalogues, and other archival materials to situate Rushbury's Provence landscapes within his broader artistic practice and within the artistic debates of his time.