Artwork Page for Ruins of an Abbey

Details / Information for Ruins of an Abbey

Ruins of an Abbey

c. 1812–58

Charles Norris

(British, 1779–1858)
Culture
England, 19th century
Medium
graphite
Measurements
Sheet: 17.1 x 18.7 cm (6 3/4 x 7 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
The Norweb Collection 1954.668
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

This drawing of an overgrown, crumbling abbey may be compared with German Romantic images of Gothic ruins by Karl Friedrich Schinkel and Domenico Quaglio (both also in this exhibition). Norris was an amateur artist who was influenced by Romantic themes of the period.
A square graphite drawing on beige paper depicts the crumbling stone walls of an abbey reclaimed by nature. On the right, a tall structure with two narrow, arched windows rises above dense foliage. To the left, shorter ruin fragments are buried in tangled vines and bushes. Fine, repetitive lines detail the weathered masonry and leaves throughout. The scene is viewed from a low perspective across a grassy foreground.

Ruins of an Abbey

c. 1812–58

Charles Norris

(British, 1779–1858)
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