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John Varley I
, British, 1778-1842
Title
The Lakes of Killarney, County Kerry, from AghadoeDate1826
MediumWatercolour on paper
Dimensions
30.5 x 119 cm
Signedlower right: J. Varley. 1826
Credit LinePurchased, 1971
Object numberNGI.7348
DescriptionVarley was on his final visit to Ireland when he visited the medieval church at Aghadoe, a high position at the end of Lough Leane (the Lower Lake) that is still a popular viewing spot. He shows its great lenght (8 km), dotted with thirty islands and backed by mountains. The unusual wide-screen effect may be due to a viewing device. An old inscription states that he used specially prepared yellow paper. The great traveller, Bishop Pococke (letter 31 august 1758) described the area's beauty when it was already renowned, and how 'in both Lakes the trees are mostly evergreen, the Holly, the yew and the Arbutus'. Between the arbutus on the left is the spire of Killarney Church, one of many improvements due to the Earl of Kenmare, whose home and deer park bordered the town. At the centre is Ross Castle. Unexpected details are the ornate haystacks (right) and resting labourers, more associated with English landscapes.