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, British, fl.1779-1816
Title
Mountainous Landscape
Date1806
MediumWatercolour on paper
Dimensions
38.7 x 55.3 cm
SignedOben 1806
Credit LinePurchased, 1980
Object numberNGI.7923
DescriptionJames George O'Brien studied at the Dublin Society's Drawing Schools. He later used the name Oben, believing that 'foreign' artists were more sought after. Several of his views were engraved for Grose's The Antiquities of Ireland, published between 1791 and 1795. This breathtaking panorama, painted in 1806, was almost certainly inspired by the Irish landscape. A still, atmospheric evening is captured, while the treatment of the landscape infuses a sense of calm throughout. The influence of Gilpin's code of the Picturesque is evident here. Dark clouds edging across the sky announce the onset of night. The trees and rocks to the right act like a stage set curtain, framing the view and obscuring the sun, which tints the distant hills with gold.
ProvenancePurchased, Cynthia O'Connor and Co., Ltd., December 1980 Exhibition HistoryRecent Acquisitions 1980-1981, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, 5 August - 27 September 1981