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Ruin in a Clearing
Ruin in a Clearing

Ruin in a Clearing

Artist (Penegoes, Powys, Wales, 1714 - 1782)
Date1753
Mediumoil on canvas
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsHeight: 122.1 cm, Width: 172 cm
Frame Size: 133.8 x 182.8 x 7cm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1958.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG003508
About MeRichard Wilson became the first major British artist to specialise in landscape painting, a decision he arrived at during his sojourn in Italy from 1750 to 1756. There he became greatly influenced by the idealised, classical landscapes of Claude Lorraine, the 17th century Roman painter of French origin and also by the natural surroundings of the Roman 'campagna', or countryside.

This work was painted in Italy and Wilson has captured the feeling of a classical past with the inclusion of fragments of sculpture and architecture. Typically Claudian is the framing of the middle distance with a dark foreground mass of trees and also the rustic figures, which are deliberately subordinated to the landscape.

More About Me

Wilson was the first major British artist to specialise in landscape painting and was greatly influenced by idealised, classical landscapes.