Artwork
Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows (Small Plate)
Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows (Small Plate) is a print by the Impressionist artist David Lucas. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 2014.226
- Credit line
- Bequest of John Bonebrake
About this work
Overview
David Lucas’s small plate print, dated 1855, presents a distant view of Salisbury Cathedral framed by a tranquil meadow. Executed in fine detail, the composition balances the soaring spires of the cathedral with the gentle rise of surrounding trees, creating a serene landscape that emphasizes the building’s architectural prominence within a natural setting.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures the cathedral removed from its urban context, situating it amid open grassland and modest foliage. This placement highlights the structure’s timeless quality, suggesting a harmonious relationship between sacred architecture and the English countryside, and inviting contemplation of the cathedral as both a spiritual landmark and a component of the rural horizon.
Technique & Style
Lucas employed the small plate intaglio process, allowing for precise line work and subtle tonal gradations. The rendering exhibits a softened transition between light and shadow reminiscent of sfumato, lending the scene a gentle atmospheric depth that softens the architectural details while preserving their clarity.
History & Provenance
Created in the mid‑nineteenth century, the print entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in British printmaking and in works that document notable architectural sites through the lens of 19th‑century landscape art.
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