The White Monk (Untitled)

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The White Monk (Untitled)
The White Monk (Untitled)
The White Monk (Untitled)
National Museum Wales, Cardiff
title=Credit line
Artist
James Roberts (1725-1799) after Wilson
Title
The White Monk (Untitled)
Date
Published 25 August 1765
Medium
Engraving
Dimensions
Metric:
Imperial:
Accession Number
NMW A 11006
Wilson Online Reference
E17A
Description
Landscape with two pilgrims praying at a wooden cross on the rocks at the right and a waterfall. In the left foreground two women sit beneath a tree, one turning to look at a figure passing on horseback in the centre. A town can be seen across the lake in the background.
Provenance
Given by Major F. Treharne James, 1920
Signature/inscription
Lettered below image:
[1] L.l.: Richd. Wilson pinxt
[2] L.r.: Jas. Roberts sculpt
[3] L.c.: Engraved from the Original Picture Painted by Mr. Richard Wilson
[4] Published according to Act of Parliament by J. BOYDELL, Engraver in Cheapside,London. Augt. 25. 1765
[5 l.L.: No. 4
Subject
The subject and thence the meaning remain open to multiple interpretations. Solkin memorably explained its attraction as a moral landscape by an emblematic interpretation of the Platonic philosophical concept of concordia discors, or the harmonious union of opposing elements, where 'the chaotic multiplicity of nature has yielded to the ordering hand of art.' (Solkin 1982, p. 66). He saw the inclusion of monks on the promontory as reassurance of a world anchored in divinely ordained harmony and reinforcing the moral certitude and authority of the patrician class who patronised the artist.
Related Prints
E68 Anonymous after Wilson, The White Monk (Stafford Gallery), The British Museum
E70 Samuel Middiman after Wilson, The White Monk (Landscape with two Pilgrims praying at a wooden Cross on Rocks at the left), The British Museum
E72/22 Hastings after Wilson, The White Monk, The British Museum
Related Paintings
P146 Richard Wilson (1713/14-1782), The White Monk - III, Private Collection
Previous Cat/Ref Nos
Old Accession Number: 20.86
Link to WG Constable Archive Record
Condition/Conservation
Good condition overall. However the print was framed and hanging when viewed.