“Stepping Stones, Bettws-y-Coed” is a landscape artwork created in 1859 by the artist David Cox, who is associated with the Romanticism art movement. The artwork depicts a serene and picturesque scene of the village of Bettws-y-Coed. The natural scenery is conveyed through gentle brushstrokes and a harmonious color palette, epitomizing the Romantic theme of appreciating nature’s beauty.
In the artwork, a tranquil stream is adorned with stepping stones that stretch across its gentle flow, inviting viewers to imagine crossing to the lush, wooded bank on the opposite side. Majestic trees flank the stream, their foliage rendered in a variety of greens and browns that suggest the richness of the scene. In the background, one can discern the outlines of distant mountains, adding to the depth and vastness of the landscape. The sky above is depicted in soft hues of blue and white, conveying an idyllic, peaceful atmosphere. The composition beautifully captures the rustic charm and natural tranquility of the countryside.