Waterfall in Rocky Landscape n.d.

Octavius Oakley created this watercolor of a "Waterfall in Rocky Landscape" at some point in the first half of the 19th century. During this period, Britain experienced rapid urbanization and industrialization, so it's no surprise that many artists turned to landscape painting. The wilder, more sublime the landscape, the better. Oakley's choice of a rocky waterfall is no accident. Art institutions like the Royal Academy were crucial in shaping the tastes of the public and promoting certain styles and subjects like landscapes. We might ask, what social role did these images play? One could argue that such landscapes, which were often consumed by the middle and upper classes, offered an escape from the harsh realities of urban life and a celebration of British natural heritage. As historians, we can examine exhibition records, art criticism, and other period documents to better understand the cultural values and social meanings embedded in this seemingly simple watercolor. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.