John Le Capelain (1812-1848) - View of Mont Orgueil Castle, Jersey

John Le Capelain was a 'marine painter who worked in London from 1832. After Queen Victoria's visit to Jersey a volume of his drawings of the island scenery was presented to her, and she commissioned him to paint the Isle of Wight. He specialised in coast scenes and a misty or foggy effect. There are lithographs after his work, and he also published his own Channel Island scenes.' [1]
 
This watercolour is a great example of the atmospheric seascapes Le Capelain produced. The iconic Mont Orgueil Castle frames the background of the composition with a strong wind blowing. 
 
Medium: watercolour with scratching out on paper, signed l.r. 'J Le Capelain', 15.3 x 23.2cm, framed.
 
Provenance: St Helier Galleries Ltd, Napier House, Jersey (label verso).
 
Bibliography:
 
[1] Huon Mallieu (2002), 'The Dictionary of British Watercolour Artists up to 1920: Volume I A-L', Antique Collectors Club: Woodbridge, pp. 356. See entry on artist.
 
Condition report: in good condition with some time staining. There are a few marks particularly in the sky (please see photos). The mount has some time staining too.