The Lower Lake from Lord Kenmare's Ground, Killarney, 4 September 1841

Before you is "The Lower Lake from Lord Kenmare's Ground, Killarney, 4 September 1841," a captivating pen and ink drawing by Thomas Hastings. Created in 1841, this piece, measuring 36.2 centimeters by 26 centimeters, is part of the esteemed collection at the Yale Center for British Art. nn Hastings masterfully captures the tranquil beauty of the Lower Lake in Killarney, Ireland, as viewed from Lord Kenmare's property. The scene unfolds with a delicate naturalism; subtle lines define the gently sloping foreground, where a glimpse of a thatched roof hints at human presence nestled amongst the trees and shrubs. A fence-like structure leads the eye towards the calm lake, its surface subtly textured with delicate lines. In the distance, the mountains rise, their contours softly rendered with varying line weights to create a sense of depth and vastness. Even the sky, lightly clouded, contributes to the overall peaceful atmosphere. The artist's precision extends to the inclusion of labels identifying landmarks such as Turk Mountain, Glena Mountain, and Ross Castle, further enriching our understanding of the scene. The date, "September 4th, 1841," is also carefully inscribed, adding a personal touch to this exquisite observation of the Irish landscape. The monochromatic palette of browns and sepia inks on off-white paper enhances the serene and timeless quality of this remarkable drawing.