In James Johnson's painting of Nightingale Valley the overall mood is one of lyrical enchantment, achieved by adding a white deer and a secluded pool of tranquil water at the centre of the scene, as well as through the use of generalising and softening brushwork. The result contrasts strongly with the contemporary 'naturalistic' Romanticism of Jackson and Danby. Here the forest seems impenetrable and timeless, the lush greens are not employed to record botanical detail or shelter childhood innocence.

Johnson's approach in this picture of Nightingale Valley, which is mentioned by the Bristol School's patron George Cumberland, may have been too experimental for his usual patrons, as it ultimately failed to sell at 30 guineas.

Johnson exhibited romantic landscapes in London during the 1820s, but this is one of his few oil paintings known today. He also produced topographical watercolours and was one of the artists employed by G.W. Braikenridge. The artist, who was well-liked by all Bristol School members, suffered from mental illness for years before tragically committing suicide.

[From: 'Absolutely Bizarre! Strange Tales from the Bristol School of Artists (1800-1840)', catalogue of an exhibition held at the Museum of Fine Arts, Bordeaux, June 10 to October 17, 2021.]