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James George Oben , 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