Furness Abbey

1777

Thomas Hearne

Associated Names
Thomas Hearne

Artist, British, 1744 - 1817

The image shows a sepia-toned drawing of a ruined Gothic structure with high arches and detailed stonework, seen from a level perspective. The horizon is positioned beyond the ruins, where architectural remnants can be observed through large archways, framed by distant trees. The brushstrokes are delicate and precise, capturing the lines and details of the architecture, while the foliage is depicted with soft, textured strokes. The color palette consists mainly of warm browns and grays. Closest to us, various trees frame the drawing on both sides, with the central ruin slightly to the left. In the distance, more trees and structural elements appear gradually less defined, emphasizing the depth of the scene.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    graphite and pen and gray ink with gray wash on light tan laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Joseph F. McCrindle Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 18.2 x 27.2 cm (7 3/16 x 10 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2009.70.138


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Appleby Bros. Ltd., London, by 1961); Joseph F. McCrindle [1923-2008], New York, 1961; Joseph F. McCrindle Foundation, 2008; gift to NGA, 2009.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1961

  • Spring Exhibition, Appleby Bros. Ltd., London, 1961, no. 60.

1974

  • British Drawings and Watercolors: A Selection from the J.F. McCrindle collection, The William Benton Museum of Art, The University of Connecticut, Storrs, 1974, no 8.

Bibliography

2012

  • Grasselli, Margaret M., and Arthur K. Wheelock, Jr., eds. The McCrindle Gift: A Distinguished Collection of Drawings and Watercolors. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art. Washington, 2012: 169 (color).

Inscriptions

by artist's hand? on mount, lower right verso in gray ink: North Aspect Furness Abbey 1777; by later hand on mount, upper left verso in graphite: 10; by later hand on mount, center verso in graphite: 4065

Wikidata ID

Q64633219

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