Salisbury Antiques Centre

Description

A beautifully atmospheric late 19th-century watercolour by Harry Goodwin, depicting the old town of Lucerne at twilight. The scene looks across the calm waters of the River Reuss towards the historic buildings and wooden bridge, animated with finely observed figures carrying umbrellas, small boats on the water, and swans gliding in the foreground. Beyond the town rise the softly rendered Alpine peaks, partially veiled by drifting cloud, lending the composition depth and quiet drama.

Goodwin’s sensitive handling of light and reflection is particularly evident in the water, where cool blues and greens mirror the architecture and sky above. The warm terracotta roofs and illuminated windows provide a pleasing contrast, capturing the transitional mood of evening with great subtlety.

Signed and dated 1890 within the image, and further inscribed on the reverse “Dudley Gallery, March 1892 – Lucerne Twilight”, the work has strong exhibition provenance. The original handwritten label on the verso confirms the artist, title, and date, and the watercolour is presented in its original period frame.