Thomas Girtin (London 1775-1802)

View of Dovedale, Derbyshire

Details

Thomas Girtin (London 1775-1802)
View of Dovedale, Derbyshire
with inscription 'Derbyshire' (on the mount, verso)
pencil and watercolour
12 ½ x 18 ¼ in. (31.7 x 46.3 cm.)

Provenance

Miss Spence; Christie's, London, 19 March 1887, lot 38 (9 gns to Harmer).
Mr. Harmer and by descent in the family to the present owner.

Literature

T. Girtin and D. Loshak, The Art of Thomas Girtin, London, 1954, p. 217.

Lot Essay

Girtin's poetic sense of the picturesque was perfectly suited to the landscape of Dovedale, in the Derbyshire Peak District. It is unclear exactly when the artist visited the area, but it seems likely that it was in either 1799 or 1800 as Girtin made sketching trips to the north of England in both years. Dovedale was a popular destination by this time with artists, writers and tourists in search of the Picturesque and Girtin would have been keen to explore the landscape for himself.

More from Old Master & British Drawings & Watercolours

View All