Artwork

Liber Studiorum: Devil's Bridge, Cardiganshire

Liber Studiorum:  Devil's Bridge, Cardiganshire, by John Sell Cotman, 1838
Liber Studiorum:  Devil's Bridge, Cardiganshire, by John Sell Cotman, 1838

Liber Studiorum: Devil's Bridge, Cardiganshire is a print by the Romanticist artist John Sell Cotman. It dates from 1838 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1928.645

About this work

This painting shows a landscape of Devil's Bridge in Cardiganshire. It's a simple scene with trees and a bridge. The artist made sketches for this painting during a trip to Wales in 1800, which is pretty interesting because it was a long time before he actually made the etching in 1838. You can learn more about this style by looking at the work of artist John Sell Cotman.

Overview

Liber Studiorum: Devil's Bridge, Cardiganshire is a print by John Sell Cotman, part of a collection of landscape etchings published in 1838.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene landscape featuring Devil's Bridge in Cardiganshire, with trees and a bridge forming a simple yet evocative scene.

Technique & Style

Cotman employed soft-ground etching, a technique also used by earlier artists like Thomas Gainsborough, to create the Liber Studiorum series, of which this work is a part.

History & Provenance

The etching was based on sketches Cotman made during a journey to Wales in 1800, nearly four decades before its publication.

Artist & collection

Portrait of John Sell Cotman

Artist

John Sell Cotman

John Sell Cotman (16 May 1782 – 24 July 1842) was an English marine and landscape painter, etcher, illustrator, and a leading member of the Norwich School of painters.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Liber Studiorum: Devil's Bridge, Cardiganshire?

Liber Studiorum: Devil's Bridge, Cardiganshire was painted by John Sell Cotman in 1838.

Where can I see Liber Studiorum: Devil's Bridge, Cardiganshire?

Liber Studiorum: Devil's Bridge, Cardiganshire is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Liber Studiorum: Devil's Bridge, Cardiganshire?

Liber Studiorum: Devil's Bridge, Cardiganshire is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Liber Studiorum: Devil's Bridge, Cardiganshire?

Museum-quality prints of Liber Studiorum: Devil's Bridge, Cardiganshire are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.