FDA-D.520-2010
Parts
Object number
FDA-D.520-2010
Object type
Identification
Title
Cader Idris
Pilkington
Pilkington
Title Type
assigned by cataloguer
collection
collection
Comments
John Varley made tours of Wales in 1798-9, in 1800 and in 1802. Like Joshua Cristall, with whom he travelled in Wales in 1802, Varley became fascinated by classical imagery and in 1808, the year the Eton watercolour was painted, he exhibited a large imaginary landscape, 'Suburbs of an ancient City'. The 'Ancient City' watercolour was purchased by the classical scholar and connoisseur Thomas Hope, who paid the large sum of £42 for the picture. The Eton 'Cader Idris' is a classial watercolour of a different kind, based on an observed landscape. Its classicism lies in the manner in which the artist has pared down the scenery, omitting all but a few traces of vegetation, in order to focus on the grandeur of the mountain range. The picture is composed of a series of balance and meticulously applied watercolour washes. Its stillness and clarity are in stark contrast to David Cox's later north Wales watercolours in which texture and movement predominate - 'Rhy Sands' being a prime example.
Signed and dated 1808. Taken from near the Teguin ferry, this was one of the earliest Welsh views Varley exhibited at the Old Water-colour Society.
Signed and dated 1808. Taken from near the Teguin ferry, this was one of the earliest Welsh views Varley exhibited at the Old Water-colour Society.
Other number
Pi 198
Description
Dimensions
height (actual size): 209mm
width (actual size): 483mm
width (actual size): 483mm
Inscription
Signed and dated 'J. Varley./1808' (lower right)
Materials & techniques note
Watercolour on paper
Production
Person
Varley, John, 1778 - 1842 (Artist)
Date
1808
History and association
Object history note
Exhibited: 'Hidden Treasures', Andrew Wyld galleries, March 2010
Previous ownership
References
• Ryan, H., Hidden Treasures, W.S. Fine Art exhibition catalogue, 2010 (p. 48-49), Catalogue number: 19
