Dimensions: support: 260 x 363 mm
Copyright: CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Editor: This watercolour by John Frederick Lewis depicts "The Escorial". It’s held at the Tate. The composition is interesting, presenting this monumental structure through a screen of trees. What do you see in it? Curator: I see a careful orchestration of symbols. The Escorial itself, a Spanish monastery, palace, and library, speaks to power, faith, and knowledge. Lewis cleverly uses the trees not just as visual elements but as potent symbols. Editor: How so? Curator: They soften the imposing architecture, perhaps suggesting a dialogue between nature and the imposing structures of human ambition. Consider how light filters through the leaves; is this a statement about enlightenment, or perhaps a commentary on the enduring power of nature to temper human endeavors? Editor: That gives me a new way to look at landscape art. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. The careful placement of symbols offers rich insights into the artist's perception and the cultural memory embedded within the scene.
Comments
Join the conversation
Join millions of artists and users on Artera today and experience the ultimate creative platform.
Following the example of his friend David Wilkie who had visited Spain in 1827-8, Lewis set off for Madrid in the summer of 1832. From Spain he travelled to North Africa before returning to Madrid in September 1833 when he probably visited the Escorial. This building, part church, part palace and part library, is built out of granite. Lewis's view, painted on the spot, shows the south terrace and facade. In order to emphasise the immensity of the structure Lewis has added to the number of windows on the facade. He has livened up what one guide book called an 'ashy pile' by indicating red and blue window blinds. Gallery label, September 1997
CollectMore like this
