Anne Rushout (1767-1849), an often overlooked British artist, lived during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Her work primarily consisted of watercolor landscapes, a popular medium and subject among genteel women of her time who were encouraged to take up painting as a part of their education rather than as a professional pursuit.
Born in 1767, Anne was part of the Rushout family, a well-established family with noble ties, which gave her the social and financial backing to pursue her artistic interests without the economic pressures faced by professional artists. Her work is indicative of the picturesque movement, which was highly popular in England at the time. This movement emphasized rural and natural scenes that were beautiful yet structured, often idealized to reflect a serene and ordered view of the countryside.
Her artistic output includes views from her travels across Europe, such as scenes from Wales, various parts of England, and the continent, where she depicted landscapes, coastal views, and architectural subjects with a delicate and precise handling of watercolor. Her travel sketches and paintings serve not only as artistic expressions but also as historical documents that capture the aesthetics and sensibilities of the British upper class during her lifetime.
Despite her prolific work, Anne Rushout was not widely recognized in the major art historical narratives until more recent years, as the contributions of women artists have begun to be reassessed and valued not just for their beauty but also for their cultural and historical significance. Her paintings are now more appreciated for their technical skill and the unique perspective they provide on the leisurely pursuits and travels of English gentry in the late Georgian period.
TODAY: The Saint-Pierre church is still there and very active
TODAY: In fact, it is not the cathedral, since there is none in Caen. It’s the Abbey, located onto the city hall (and prefecture) of Caen.
These were the only two paintings she made in Caen, Normandy that we could find.