John Atkinson Grimshaw (1836-1893)

Grimshaw started experimenting with moonlit views in the 1870's and was at the height of his powers by the time he painted this painting in 1882. The suburban setting, a favourite theme for the artist, evokes a feeling of familiarity that adds mystery to the painting as the location, which is certainly fabricated, remains tantalizingly intangible. His work manages to capture not only the essential nature of the Victorian townscape, with its new post-industrialist villas, winding streets and high garden walls, but also gives the scene a poetic context. An ordinary street by day, the moonlight transforms it into a place of mystery, conjuring up feelings of tranquil nostalgia, clandestine beauty and romance.

The full moon breaks up the cloud with an ethereal luminescence to reveal a lonely rain-soaked lane. Flanked by melancholic leafless trees, the soft light casts crisp reflections in the still puddles. The house sits moodily behind the high wall, with the moonlight catching on the roof and gateposts. The warm orange glow of the lamp light emanating from the house countermands, but is overwhelmed by, the silvery teal-coloured natural moon light.