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Follower of Claude-Joseph Vernet , French, 1714-1789

Title

Stormy Coastal Scene

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions

134.1 x 196.8 cm

Credit LineHeritage Gift, 2001

Object numberNGI.4698

DescriptionIn a pastiche of Vernet's much depicted subject of a storm at sea, a ship heads for the rocks, with one mast broken. On shore a crowned woman is prevented from throwing herself in the sea to join a drowned figure. This pastiche example captures the spirit of Vernet's marine subjects, if lacking his attention to details like the ship's rigging. Of equal interest is the pictures magnificent rococo frame of the 1750s-60s. From the carving and high gilding, together with an Irish provenance, it is thought to have been made in Dublin. On the top rail, Venus's scallop shell is flanked by screeching hobo birds. There are ribbon scrolls, foliage and watery ornament, all part of the repertoire of Matthias Lock (fl.1724-1769), who published engraved designs from 1740, and Thomas Chippendale (1718-1789), whose famous Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director was first published in 1754. There are parallels to the 'modern' style of frame in Matthias Lock and Henry Copland's A New Book of Ornaments (1752, pl. 3). Amongst the seven large mirrors made in Dublin for Joseph Leeson, two rectangular examples could double as picture frames (NGI 12089 and 12158). Leeson led Irish Grand Tourists in their patronage of Vernet landscapes around 1750, with the Times of Day remaining at Russborough, County Wicklow, and another 8 listed at the house in 1826 likely to have been copies. Other purchasers were 2nd Viscount Powerscourt (2), Thomas Dawson, later Lord Cremorne (2), Viscount Charlemont (10), Ralph Howard, later 1st Viscount Wicklow (5) and Joseph Henry of Straffan (8). Two pupils in Rome were making copies at the time. Thomas Patch (1725-1782), closely linked with the Irish and British circle in Rome, was in his studio 1750-53, along with Charles François Lacroix (d.1779). One known Irish imitator was Thomas Woodburn (fl. c.1766), by whom there are copies of Russborough's Noon and Moonlight formerly at Woodstock, County Wicklow (Private Collection, County Dublin). His hand is not distinctive enough to attribute this example.

(National Gallery of Ireland: Taking Stock, Exhibition Catalogue. 2010)

ProvenancePossibly Sir John Burke (1782-1847), 2nd Bt., of Marble Hill, Co. Galway; Elizabeth Julia Morris (d.1968), great-granddaughter of Sir Jonh Burke, and by descent; Christie's, London, 17 May 2001, lot 57 (withdrawn); Heritage Gift, 2001