Art Funded by you

View of Lancaster from the Lune

Samuel Austin, 1827–1834

The viewpoint of this interesting painting seems to be on the north bank of the Lune, at Skerton. No trace remains today of the wooden footbridges shown, but these may have linked the ayres (islands) which occur in this part of the river and were formerly used for grazing. Some tall rigging of merchant ships can be seen downstream beyond the New Bridge, with smaller craft in the foreground of the painting and nearer to the bridge. The famous Lancaster skyline reveals a trace of an alteration in the scale and placing of, it seems, the church tower, disguised in the final version by a flag flying from one of the Castle towers. The inference is a change of viewpoint after the foreground was painted. The quality of the work is much above the average of the many more literal topographical paintings and drawings in the Lancaster collection, and its colour is especially charming.

More information

Title of artwork, date

View of Lancaster from the Lune, 1827–1834

Date supported

1970

Medium and material

Watercolour

Dimensions

40 x 51 cm

Grant

125

Total cost

250

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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