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Painting, oil on canvas, Catbells and Causey Pike,
Derwentwater, Cumberland, by William James Blacklock, 1854.
This is a view of Catbells and Causey Pike beyond Derwent
Water in the Lake District on a fine summer's day. Bright
sunshine throws the shadows of the fells beyond the lake
into sharp relief. In the middle distance to right of
composition the church spire of St John's Church, Keswick
can be seen rising from thick woodland in front of which
sheep are grazing. In the foreground a sandy track leads
towards the lake in the centre of the composition. A woman
stands amongst clumps of flowering heather, her back towards
the viewer, looking towards the church spire. This painting
was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1854. Blacklock is one
of Cumbria's most important landscape painters. He painted
the scenery of Cumbria, the Lake District and the Borders
and particularly favoured remote areas. He painted these
landscapes in his own uniquely precise style.
The composition shows considerable artistic licence.
Blacklock has altered components of the picture by bringing
St John's Church in Keswick into view to make a more
pleasing composition. Blacklock's unique painting style is
very precise and has an almost three dimensional effect.
Exhibited at the Royal Academy, London, 1854.
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