Who painted Glen Lyon by Moonlight, Snowdon?

Glen Lyon by Moonlight, Snowdon was painted by Alfred William Hunt in 1873.

Where can I see Glen Lyon by Moonlight, Snowdon?

Glen Lyon by Moonlight, Snowdon is held by Ashmolean Museum.

Artwork

Glen Lyon by Moonlight, Snowdon

Glen Lyon by Moonlight, Snowdon is an oil painting by Alfred William Hunt. It dates from 1873 and is held in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum.

About this work

Overview

Alfred William Hunt’s oil on canvas, dated around 1873, portrays a moonlit valley in the Snowdon region. The composition is dominated by a broad, darkened gorge that recedes into the distance beneath a muted, moon‑lit sky. A distant mountain range looms as a faint silhouette, its peaks lost in shadow, establishing a quiet, nocturnal atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a tranquil yet somber night scene, emphasizing the interplay between light and darkness. By focusing on the valley’s depth and the subdued illumination of the moon, Hunt suggests the quiet grandeur of the Welsh landscape, inviting contemplation of nature’s stillness and the subtle power of nocturnal light.

Technique & Style

Hunt employs chiaroscuro to model the valley’s forms, using strong contrasts between the moon‑lit highlights and the surrounding gloom. Thick, expressive brushwork builds a textured surface that enhances the sense of volume, while the muted palette of greys and deep blues reinforces the atmospheric mood. The handling reflects the artist’s interest in dramatic, mood‑laden landscapes.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1873, the painting entered the collection of the Ashmolean Museum, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to representing 19th‑century British landscape painting, and it stands as a representative example of Hunt’s oeuvre within the institution’s holdings.