Girl by a well, no date

The scene in Girl by a Well, featuring a young girl and a well feels calm and natural, reflecting Lidderdale’s focus on peaceful rural life. The well, jug, and flowing water are elements that frequently appear in art, often symbolizing purity, renewal, or life itself. Wells in particular have long been symbols of life in many cultures, as they provide essential water.

In Victorian art, scenes like this also reflect nostalgia for simple country life, especially as society was rapidly changing.