Who painted Cathedral Notre-Dame?

Cathedral Notre-Dame was painted by Richard Parkes Bonington in 1824.

Where can I see Cathedral Notre-Dame?

Cathedral Notre-Dame is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Cathedral Notre-Dame?

Cathedral Notre-Dame is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Cathedral Notre-Dame

Richard Parkes Bonington , 1824

Cathedral Notre-Dame is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Richard Parkes Bonington. It dates from 1824 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The composition balances the towering spires and central tower against a tranquil river scene, where modest buildings and small boats occupy the foreground.

Created in 1824, this lithographic print presents a panoramic view of Paris with the iconic cathedral dominating the skyline. The composition balances the towering spires and central tower against a tranquil river scene, where modest buildings and small boats occupy the foreground. Muted tones and softened outlines convey a serene, almost poetic atmosphere characteristic of early nineteenth‑century Romantic sensibilities.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures Notre‑Dame as a symbol of enduring grandeur, juxtaposed with everyday urban life along the Seine. By placing the cathedral within a broader cityscape, the artist emphasizes the coexistence of historic monument and contemporary activity, inviting contemplation of the passage of time and the interplay between the sacred and the mundane.

Technique & Style

Executed in lithography, the image achieves depth through delicate gradations of light and shadow, a hallmark of the medium’s capacity for tonal subtlety. The artist employs a gentle modulation of line and wash to render atmospheric effects, while the overall composition reflects Romantic ideals of mood, emphasizing soft contours and a restrained palette that evoke a quiet, reflective ambience.

History & Provenance

The print originates from the hand of Richard Parkes Bonington, an English painter who relocated to France in his early teens and became a conduit between British and French artistic circles. Produced during his most prolific period, the lithograph exemplifies his interest in architectural subjects and contributed to his reputation as a bridge between traditional technique and emerging Romantic approaches.