Who painted Near Dolgelly?

Near Dolgelly was painted by John Webber in 1790.

Where can I see Near Dolgelly?

Near Dolgelly is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Near Dolgelly?

Near Dolgelly is associated with British Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Near Dolgelly?

Museum-quality prints of Near Dolgelly are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Near Dolgelly

John Webber , 1790

Near Dolgelly is a watercolor work on paper by the British Romanticist artist John Webber. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

John Webber’s 1790 watercolour, titled Near Dolgelly, presents a compact yet detailed view of a Welsh valley. The composition centers on a sinuous river flanked by sheer cliffs and rocky slopes, extending toward low, hazy hills. The palette is restrained, dominated by muted blues, greys and soft whites, with occasional green foliage clinging to the steep banks.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a rugged, uninhabited landscape typical of the Snowdonia region, emphasizing the raw power of natural forms. By focusing on the interplay of water, stone and sky, Webber conveys a sense of the sublime, inviting contemplation of the wilderness that lay beyond the cultivated countryside of his era.

Technique & Style

Webber employs rapid, sketch‑like brushwork to render the texture of rock faces and the movement of water. The fluid application of pigment creates a sense of immediacy, suggesting the artist worked en plein air to seize the fleeting light. The restrained colour scheme and loose handling align with late‑eighteenth‑century British watercolour conventions.

History & Provenance

Signed and dated by the artist, the piece reflects Webber’s activity as a landscape draughtsman during his travels in Wales. The watercolour entered the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of British topographical art from the period.

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Artist & collection

Artist

John Webber

John Webber (6 October 1751 – 29 May 1793) was an English artist who accompanied Captain Cook on his third Pacific expedition. He is best known for his images of Australasia, Hawaii and Alaska.