FDA-D.262-2010
Parts
Object number
FDA-D.262-2010
Object type
Identification
Title
Church and Castle, Rochester
Whiteley
Whiteley
Title Type
assigned by cataloguer
collection
collection
Comments
'The uncertainty over the date of the termination of Girtin's apprenticeship makes it difficult to establish the status of this work. On the other hand, the watercolour was presumably made after the sketch of another artist and its size suggests that it has more in common with earlier studio exercises, such as no.25, than the small-scale commissions he undertook at this time for patrons such as James Moore. On the other, the freer handling of the sky and the bold distribution of light and shade suggest a date of 1793, which may take us beyong the end of Girtin's apprenticeship. In either case, the watercolour provides a good indication of the way in which Girtin was able to match the best of Dayes' works such as 'Ely Cathedral' (no.2).'
[Source: Smith, Greg, 'Thomas Girtin: the Art of Watercolour', Tate, 2002, p.46, catalogue number 26]
[Source: Smith, Greg, 'Thomas Girtin: the Art of Watercolour', Tate, 2002, p.46, catalogue number 26]
Other number
MFW 12
Description
Dimensions
height (actual size): 375mm
width (actual size): 484mm
width (actual size): 484mm
Materials & techniques note
Pencil, pen and grey ink, watercolour
Production
Person
Girtin, Thomas, 1775 - 1802 (Artist)
History and association
Object history note
Provenance: With Spink & Son Ltd, London, 1962; collection of Martin Whiteley (1930-1984); by whom bequeathed to Eton College
Exhibited: 'Thomas Girtin: The Art of Watercolour', Tate Britain, London, catalogue number 26
Exhibited: 'Thomas Girtin: The Art of Watercolour', Tate Britain, London, catalogue number 26
Previous ownership
Whiteley, Martin F, 1930 - 1984: Bequeathed to Eton College
