Rev. William Gilpin (1724-1804) - Extensive Landscape Vale of Lune, Cumberland

This well executed landscape watercolour of the Vale of Lune in Cumberland (present day Cumbria) was painted by the important 18th century amateur artist and priest, Rev. William Gilpin. He is principally known for his definition of the picturesque as ‘that peculiar kind of beauty which is agreeable in a picture' [1] and he had a distinctive artistic technique which helps to make his works immediately recognisable. Rev. Gilpin was born in Cumberland and always enjoyed the landscapes close to where he was brought up. This is one of a pair by Gilpin that we currently have for sale.
 
Medium: monochrome watercolour on paper, 13.5 x 20.7 cm, framed (note this frame is unglazed). Inscribed verso 'From Vale Lune Leek(?)'.
 
Provenance: Nonesuch Gallery.
 
Condition report: generally very good for age with a few small spotting marks. Slight crease in the paper towards the centre which is only obvious from close up.
 
References:
 
[1] Rev. William Gilpin, 'Essay on Prints', London: 1768, p.xii.