Artwork Page for Liber Studiorum: Devil's Bridge, Cardiganshire

Details / Information for Liber Studiorum: Devil's Bridge, Cardiganshire

Liber Studiorum: Devil's Bridge, Cardiganshire

1838

John Sell Cotman

(British, 1782–1842)
Culture
England, 19th century
Medium
Soft ground etching
Credit Line
Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland 1928.645
Catalogue raisonné
Popham 305
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Cotman followed in the footsteps of Thomas Gainsborough and also worked in soft-ground etching (see Gainsborough’s Wooded Landscape with Cows in this gallery). Thirty-nine of Cotman’s landscape etchings were published as the Liber Studiorum in 1838. This composition was based on sketches the artist made on the site during his journey through Wales in 1800.
A vertical print in dark, muted tones depicts stacked stone bridges spanning a deep, craggy ravine shrouded in dense clusters of brushstrokes. Expressive dashes convey thick foliage along steep cliffs. Below the arches, a bright area suggests water roiling over jagged rocks. In the foreground, a gnarled branch extends horizontally. Heavy hatching creates deep, atmospheric shadows. Text at the bottom center reads "Devil's Bridge, Cardiganshire."

Liber Studiorum: Devil's Bridge, Cardiganshire

1838

John Sell Cotman

(British, 1782–1842)
England, 19th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork