David Cox O.W.S. (1783-1859) - Warwick Castle

This highly finished watercolour by David Cox was probably painted early in his career. It bears some resemblance to his work 'The Old Bridge at Bridgnorth, Shropshire' which was painted in 1809 and was sold by Lowell Libson Ltd. [1] Our picture shows an indebtedness to the watercolour manner of John Varley with the various tint layers and blocky forms.
 
Cox ventured to Warwick on several occassions and returned to the subject throughout his career. He even exhibited a watercolour at the O.W.S. titled 'Warwick Castle' in 1857. [2] He was also fascinated with Kenilworth Castle which provided him with many subjects. Warwickshire was close to his home in Harborne which give him easy access to the county. Our watercolour shows Warwick Castle from the River Avon on a calm and peaceful day. The colouring suggests either an autumnal scene or a sunset moment Cox had witnessed in person.
 
Medium: watercolour on paper, 26 x 38 cm, mounted. 
 
Provenance: Appleby Bros, St James’s, London, April 1959 exhibition, ref no: 80 (label on old backing board); Private collection, Australia.
 
Bibliography:
 
[1] Scott Wilcox (ed.), Sun, Wind, and Rain: The Art of David Cox, Yale University (2008), p.147.
 
[2] N. Neil Solly, Memoir of the life of David Cox, London (1873), p.289.