Rotting Tree 1850

"Rotting Tree" is a watercolor painting created in 1850 by Elizabeth Murray, an English artist known for her detailed landscapes. The painting depicts a decaying tree in a woodland setting, showcasing Murray's ability to capture the subtle nuances of nature. The hollowed-out trunk, overgrown with ferns and moss, suggests a sense of time and decay, a theme often explored in Romantic art. This intimate-scale artwork, measuring just 200 mm x 260 mm, is currently housed in the Art Institute of Chicago.