Description
Panoramic landscapes in watercolor became an important source of income during John Martin’s late career. This work demonstrates his ability to convey monumentality on a small scale and to combine broad washes of color with meticulous detail. The sweeping vista in this drawing describes the fertile valley of the River Tyne, known for its forests, flora, and fauna. Curving arcs of slopes and plains swirl around the composition. A tiny couple and dog rush through the vast landscape beneath ominous storm clouds.
Provenance
Henry [1854-1937] and Margaret [1854-1921] Hobhouse, Somerset (?-?); C. D. Hobhouse (?-?); (Spink-Leger Pictures, London, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH) (?-1997); Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1997-)
Accession Number
1997.138
Medium
watercolor, gouache and gum arabic with graphite underdrawing, sanding, and scraping
Dimensions
Sheet: 26.6 x 67.5 cm (10 1/2 x 26 9/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Credit Line
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund