Dumbarton Rock from the South 1788

Joseph Farington made this watercolor of Dumbarton Rock from the South in Britain during a time of great expansion and social change. The image depicts a landscape, but it's more than just a pretty view. It represents Britain's growing interest in its own land and history. As the country industrialized and its empire expanded, there was a movement to document and celebrate British identity, with artists often portraying landscapes as symbols of national pride. The castle sitting atop the dramatic rock formation evokes a sense of historical continuity and British power. Farington was part of the Royal Academy, which played a key role in shaping artistic tastes and promoting British art. His work reflects the values of the institution, emphasizing skill, observation, and the celebration of British subjects. To better understand such works, we need to delve into the archives of institutions such as the Royal Academy, and the writings of contemporary social commentators, exploring the interplay between art, national identity, and the social structures of the time.