Solitude

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Solitude
Solitude
Solitude
Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection
title=Credit line
Artist
Christian Duttenhofer (1778-1846) after Wilson
Title
Solitude
Date
1802
Medium
Line engraving and etching on moderately thick, slightly textured, cream wove paper
Dimensions
Metric: Sheet: 460 x 578 mm; plate: 457 x 575 mm
Imperial: Sheet: 18 1/8 x 22 3/4 in; plate: 18 x 22 5/8 in.
Accession Number
B1977.14.14570
Wilson Online Reference
E57
Description
On the right an elderly monk and his younger companion pass their days in study and contemplation by a still dark pool. Their peace is contrasted with the violently destroyed sculpture of a lion to the left, whose head lies almost unobserved, looking upwards towards its own ruins. The rich Italianate landsape is dominated by a willow and oak trees, associated in the 18th century with pre-Christian druids. In the far distance a religious ceremony takes place in a sunlit glade. In the lower right corner is a leaning amphora.
Provenance
Acquired 1977
Signature/inscription
Lettered below the image:
[1] Left: 'Painted by Richard Wilson, R.A.'
[2] Right: 'Engraved by Ch.Duttenhofer 1802.'
[3] Centre 'SOLITUDE. | To her Royal Highness CHARLOTTE AUGU [armorial achivement ] STA MATHILDA, Princess Royal of Great | Briton reigning Dutchess of Wurtemberg, this [armorial achievement] PLATE is Dedicated. By her most humble Servant, Ch Duttenhofer.';
[4] Lower left: 'Vienna, Office of Arts and Industry 1802.'
Verso inscriptions
[1] IR74/649
Related Drawings
D359 Solitude, Study for a Picture, c.1762, The British Museum (1881,0212.3)
Versions
See 'Links' tab
Related Paintings
P114 Solitude - I, Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea
P114A Solitude - I,National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin
P114B Solitude - I , Private Collection Ireland
Critical commentary
The composition is very close indeed to that of Woollett and Ellis after Wilson (E44 and other impressisons)
Previous Cat/Ref Nos
Object ID: 40396
Link to WG Constable Archive Record
Condition/Conservation
Laid down on thick paper at corners