Artwork
Mawddach Falls near Dolgelly
Mawddach Falls near Dolgelly is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist John Webber. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
John Webber’s 1790 drawing, *Mawddach Falls near Dolgelly*, presents a Welsh waterfall rendered in watercolor applied over graphite. The composition centers on a steep, craggy gorge through which a river tumbles, its spray catching light while deeper channels recede into shadow. The work exemplifies the artist’s capacity to depict both exotic and familiar terrains with equal precision.
Subject & Meaning
The scene captures the dynamic interaction of water and rock at Mawddach Falls, a natural landmark in north‑west Wales. By emphasizing the contrast between luminous spray and darker eddies, Webber conveys the power of the cascade while inviting viewers to sense its audible rush. The piece reflects a broader Enlightenment interest in documenting the natural world through direct observation.
Technique & Style
The approach aligns with the late eighteenth‑century British watercolor revival, which favored on‑site sketching to capture fleeting atmospheric effects.
Webber employed a combination of graphite underdrawing and translucent watercolor washes, a method known as glazing. Thin layers of pigment build depth and tonal variation, allowing the light to appear on the water’s surface while preserving the solidity of the cliffs. The approach aligns with the late eighteenth‑century British watercolor revival, which favored on‑site sketching to capture fleeting atmospheric effects.
History & Provenance
Created during Webber’s return to Britain after voyages with Captain Cook, the drawing marks a departure from his usual Pacific subjects, illustrating his training in London’s landscape tradition. The work entered the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, where it remains on view, offering a comparative perspective on the artist’s diverse geographic repertoire.
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Artist & collection
Artist
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.
