Dolbadarn Castle (Turner)

"Dolbadarn Castle" by J. M. W. Turner (1775–1851).

This oil painting by J. M. W. Turner (1775–1851) depicting Dolbadarn Castle was painted 1798–1799. The work was part of a body of work completed by Turner during a tour of the region, which included Dolbadarn, Llanberis and parts other from Snowdonia. Many supporting studies can be found in a sketch book now held by Tate Britain (Record: TB XLVI). When Turner returned to his London studio he developed these sketches into a number of more accomplished paintings of North Wales, including this painting which is now kept at the National Library of Wales.[1]

This painting is particularly notable as one of two paintings Turner submitted as his Diploma works to the Royal Academy in 1800.[2]

Historical event

The painting is an artists impression of a 13th century event of some importance in Welsh history. It depicts Owain Goch, the brother of the Prince Llywelyn ap Gruffudd (or LLywelyn the Second), being taken by soldiers to prison at Dolbadarn Castle. Owain was imprisoned at the Castle between 1255 and 1277 when he was released. The imprisonment of Owain, seen dressed in red, was an important historical event as it left his brother Llywelyn free to concentrate on uniting Wales against the English.[3]

Travel through Wales

Turner first visited Wales in 1792, when he traveled through the South of the country. On his second a visit in 1794, he visited Flintshire and Denbighshire. In 1798 he paid a much longer visit to Wales, travelling through Ddyfryn Wysg, Ceredigion, Aberystwyth, Gwynedd and Llangollen.

Details of the picture

The frame was especially Commissioned for the painter John Jones of London, around the 1940s. The picture was purchased by the Library with the help National Art Collection Fund and the National Lottery. The medium is Oil on a panel wood the medium is and the visible area measures 45.5 x 30 cm., and the frame 62 x 50 cm.[4]

References

  1. ↑ tate.org.uk; retrieved 13 April 2016.
  2. ↑ National Library of Wales Website; retrieved 13 April 2016
  3. ↑ National Library of Wales website; retrieved 13 April 2016
  4. ↑ BBC website; retrieved 13 April 2016
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