Artwork
King Arthur's Castle, Tintagel, Cornwall
King Arthur's Castle, Tintagel, Cornwall is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist Howitt. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
King Arthur's Castle, Tintagel, Cornwall is a watercolour painting by Samuel Howitt, created in 1790. The work is signed by the artist and features a predominantly muted colour palette.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Tintagel Castle situated atop a rugged cliffside in Cornwall, with a river and narrow path below, sparsely populated by small figures. The emphasis is on the dramatic, wild landscape, underscoring the power of nature.
Technique & Style
Howitt employed a style characteristic of the late 18th century, prioritizing the depiction of nature's grandeur over human presence. The use of muted grays, whites, and strategic darker shadows on the cliffs enhances the dramatic effect.
History & Provenance
The painting is dated to 1790 and signed by Samuel Howitt, providing clear attribution. Further provenance details are not specified.
Context
This work aligns with the artistic trends of its time, reflecting a growing interest in landscapes that highlighted the sublime and powerful aspects of the natural world.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Rescue from Shipwreck
Liber Studiorum: Coast of Yorkshire, near Whitby
Scarborough: Shipwreck at the foot of the castle cliff
Seascape, Gale
Seascape, Gale
Sandown Bay on the Isle of Wight, with Dunnose Point in the distance
A Rocky Coast with a Atormy Sea and Ships Being Wrecked
A Rocky Coast with a Atormy Sea and Ships Being Wrecked
Storm in the Sea
Shipwreck Survivors reaching the Coast
Howth, Ireland
Storm-Tossed Ships Wrecked on a Rocky Coast