"By the River" is a compelling oil on board painting by Stanley Cosgrove, who lived from 1911 to 2002. The artwork, measuring 12 x 16 inches, is signed by Cosgrove on the bottom left, serving as his personal mark on this tranquil riverside scene.

The painting presents a collection of slender, barren trees standing sentinel along the river's edge. The foreground is detailed with shadows and strokes that suggest rocks and uneven terrain, leading the eye to the river's icy blue tones, which imply the chill of early spring or late fall. The palette is muted, dominated by the subdued hues of brown, blue, and grey, with touches of warmer colours that hint at vegetation or the last leaves of autumn.

Cosgrove's technique here is characterized by a blending of precision and abstraction, with some trees rendered in clear detail while others are mere suggestions amidst the misty atmosphere. This creates a sense of depth and mystery, as if the landscape is part of a larger, unseen narrative.