Caernarvon Castle (Night)

1776

Paul Sandby

Associated Names
Paul Sandby

Artist, British, 1731 - 1809

The image depicts Caernarvon Castle at night, seen from across the water. A path with people and a horse runs along the riverbank. The moonlight reflects on the water, with clouds partially obscuring the moon. The castle dominates the middle of the composition, with visible towers and walls. In the distance, there is a small fire burning. Rich sepia tones and chiaroscuro techniques are used to create a moody atmosphere. Fine brushstrokes detail both the landscape and the castle.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching, aquatint, and lift-ground aquatint printed in brown on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Ruth B. Benedict

  • Dimensions

    plate: 23.9 x 31.6 cm (9 7/16 x 12 7/16 in.)
    sheet: 29 x 37.2 cm (11 7/16 x 14 5/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1994.60.58

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Gunn 2015, no. 221

  • Series Title

    XII Views in North Wales: pl. 8

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Dr. Ruth B. Benedict (1913-1993), Washington; bequest to NGA, 1994.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1994

  • A Discerning Eye: Prints and Drawings Given by Ruth B. Benedict, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1994, no. 46.

2021

  • Aquatint: From Its Origins to Goya, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2021 - 2022.

Bibliography

1985

  • Robertson, Bruce. The Art of Paul Sandby. New Haven, 1985: no. 93 (British Museum)

2015

  • Gunn, Ann V. The Prints of Paul Sandby (1731 - 1809). Turnhout, 2015: no. 222

2021

  • Hoisington, Rena. Aquatint: From Its Origins to Goya. Washington, 2021: 102, fig. 7.

Inscriptions

lower right in plate: P.Sandby Fecit.; lower left in plate: Publish'd according to Act of Parliament by P.Sandby St. Georges Row Sepr.1st.1776.; lower center in plate: CAERNARVON CASTLE.; upper left in plate: No.8.; by later hand, upper right verso in graphite: nm

Wikidata ID

Q75122230

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