Disturbed: A Plover Rising from Its Nest

John Wright Oakes exhibited a painting at the Royal Academy in 1879 with the title Disturbed: early spring - twilight. 'In sober livery all things clad', which seems to be this painting. Oakes's palette has a brightness and freshness, qualities evident in Constable's work earlier in the century. His pursuit of naturalism in landscape is combined with an interest in effects of light, such as the subtle spring twilight here, which may have been inspired by Turner.