Windermere from Troutbeck
At the age of twelve Ibbetson was apprenticed to Thomas Fletcher, the Hull ship painter, with whom he would have learnt about pigments and varnishes. He later moved to London, and from there made numerous journeys, including to the Far East. On his return to England he travelled extensively, especially around Wales, Scotland and the Lake District. He specialised in painting landscapes in the Dutch 17th century manner, but with his own distinctive style. The Lake District was the source of inspiration for many artists, writers and poets in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The intense emotional responses created by the wild scenery, dramatic light and changing weather were an important part of the movement known as Romanticism. This painting was one of a pair commissioned by Ibbetsonâs patron William Danby. Comparison with a study sketch reveals that whilst he has painted the lake and islands accurately he has rearranged the foreground elements to create a more attractive composition. Ibbetsonâs letters to Danby indicate that the artist felt this painting to be amongst his best.
