FDA-D.1688-2023
Parts
Object number
FDA-D.1688-2023
Object type
Identification
Title
Capo di Bova, Morning (Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella)
Title Type
Common name
Description
Painted view of a landscape, with castellated buildings and a cloud-streaked sky
Comments
J.R. Cozens is celebrated for his evocative and melancholy llandscape watercolours, often painted in muted palettes with subtle gradations in tone. In 1782, six years after his first journey to Italy, Cozens set off from Dover in the company of his patron, the wealthy writer and art collector William Beckford of Fonthill (1760–1844). Cozens had already worked up a series of Italian views for Beckford, from sketches made during his first trip.
Further examples were now produced, with Beckford probably making Cozens aware of his preferred subjects. As before, Cozens recorded the views in pen, ink and wash, with colour notes, in sketchbooks and on individual sheets. Most would be worked up into larger compositions on his return. This work is thought to be one of three views of the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, near Rome, by Cozens that were owned by Beckford and featured in his sale at Christie’s, London, in 1805.
Further examples were now produced, with Beckford probably making Cozens aware of his preferred subjects. As before, Cozens recorded the views in pen, ink and wash, with colour notes, in sketchbooks and on individual sheets. Most would be worked up into larger compositions on his return. This work is thought to be one of three views of the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, near Rome, by Cozens that were owned by Beckford and featured in his sale at Christie’s, London, in 1805.
Description
Content (place)
Rome
Dimensions
height (actual size): 260mm
width (actual size): 377mm
:
width (actual size): 377mm
:
Dimension note
With historical backing 273 x 385mm
Inscription
Inscribed on verso, top left: '7461 Th Coyles'; centre right: 'Capo di Bova. Morning'
Material
paper
watercolour
watercolour
Materials & techniques note
Watercolour on paper
Production
Person
Cozens, John Robert, 1752 - 1797 (Artist)
Date
c.1783
History and association
Object history note
Provenance: Commissioned by William Thomas Beckford (1760–1844); 'A Capital and Truly Valuable Collection of Original High-Finished Drawings, the Whole Executed by that Eminent Artist, The Younger Cozens, During a Tour through Tyrol and Italy, in Company with An Amateur [Beckford] of Distinguished Taste', Christie’s, London, 10 April 1805, probably Cat. No. 86, as 'View of the Capo di Bové – delicately finished'; from which sale purchased by Mr Hoare, 3.15.0; Thomas Agnew & Son, London; collection of Richard Henry Allen Amis (K.S. 1945-50; 1932-2018); by whom bequeathed to Eton College
Exhibited: 'An Etonian Collector: The Richard Amis Bequest', The Verey Gallery, Eton College, 16 November 2023 to 24 March 2024
Exhibited: 'An Etonian Collector: The Richard Amis Bequest', The Verey Gallery, Eton College, 16 November 2023 to 24 March 2024
