Bray from Bray Head, County Wicklow

Title

MediumWatercolour on paper

Dimensions

37 x 48 cm

Credit LinePurchased, 1939

Object numberNGI.6342

DescriptionJohn Henry Campbell, although born in Herefordshire in England, was educated at the Dublin Society's Schools, and exhibited in Dublin from 1800 onwards, showing mainly watercolours. The National Gallery of Ireland holds seven landscapes, all but one of the countryside near Dublin. Campbell is known to have admired and copied the work of Paul Sandby. This topographical view of Bray is typical of Campbell's landscape work. Identifiable landmarks abound in this view, including Dalkey Island (just below the horizon line to the right) and the obelisk on Killiney Hill (on the highest peak to the left). He is skilful in his use of undulating line to describe the rolling pastoral landscape and to create an atmosphere of calm.