Who painted St. Catherine's Chapel, above Artington and the River Wey?

St. Catherine's Chapel, above Artington and the River Wey was painted by Thomas Henry Hunn in 1878.

Where can I see St. Catherine's Chapel, above Artington and the River Wey?

St. Catherine's Chapel, above Artington and the River Wey is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is St. Catherine's Chapel, above Artington and the River Wey?

St. Catherine's Chapel, above Artington and the River Wey is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

St. Catherine's Chapel, above Artington and the River Wey

Thomas Henry Hunn , 1878

St. Catherine's Chapel, above Artington and the River Wey is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Thomas Henry Hunn. It dates from 1878 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Thomas Henry Hunn’s 1878 watercolour captures a tranquil stretch of the River Wey as it flows past St Catherine’s Chapel and the adjoining college. The composition places the river in the foreground, its surface mirroring a muted sky, while a modest chapel crowns a distant hill, framed by scattered trees and low buildings.

Subject & Meaning

The work presents a quiet rural landscape, emphasizing the harmonious relationship between water, architecture, and foliage. By positioning the chapel on a rise, Hunn draws attention to the spiritual landmark within an otherwise ordinary countryside, suggesting a contemplative pause amid everyday travel along the river.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolour, the painting employs a restrained palette of soft, muted tones. Delicate washes and light brushwork render the river’s reflective quality and the atmospheric haze, while finer strokes define the chapel’s outline and the surrounding trees, creating a sense of calm without overt detail.

History & Provenance

Signed by the artist, the piece dates to 1878, a period when Hunn was active in documenting English scenery. The work has remained in private collections, noted for its faithful representation of the Wey valley and its modest yet skillful handling of the medium.