Joseph Newington Carter, Saint Michael’s Mount - Antique Watercolour

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This enchanting mid-19th-century landscape by British artist Joseph Newington Carter (1835-1871) depicts a coastal scene by St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall. The island rises over the horizon and stands within graduated mists. An ever-present monument imbued with mystery and folklore.

In the foreground, two figures assist a tired horse, which is sinking into heavy sand, its cart overloaded with goods. While beyond them, a blazing sun sets amid a radiant light - so accurately rendered that we’re compelled to look away.

St Michael’s Mount is rich with history and its stories date back to 495AD. It’s said that mermaids once lured sailors onto the rocks or were guided to safety by the spirit of St Michael. It’s also a place for spiritual reflection due to ley lines, which cross directly underneath.

Carter’s beautiful tinted sky lifts the tone to a near-ethereal level. He’s painting more than a historic island - he’s trying to capture the very soul of this timeless legend.

Signed in the lower right, framed and glazed.

Learn more about Joseph Newington Carter in our directory.

Medium: Watercolour on paper

Overall size: 41” x 33” / 104cm x 84cm

Year of creation: c. 1860

Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.

Artist’s auction highlight: £2,900 achieved for an oil painting in 2018.

Physical Dimensions

Height

84cm (33.07")

Width

104cm (40.94")

Depth

2cm (0.79")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA899778

Description

“

In the foreground, two figures assist a tired horse, which is sinking into heavy sand, its cart overloaded with goods.

Brave Fine Art

While beyond them, a blazing sun sets amid a radiant light - so accurately rendered that we’re compelled to look away.

fig 1. Joseph Newington Carter, Saint Michael’s Mount - Antique Watercolour

St Michael’s Mount is rich with history and its stories date back to 495AD. It’s said that mermaids once lured sailors onto the rocks or were guided to safety by the spirit of St Michael. It’s also a place for spiritual reflection due to ley lines, which cross directly underneath.

fig 2. Joseph Newington Carter, Saint Michael’s Mount - Antique Watercolour

Carter’s beautiful tinted sky lifts the tone to a near-ethereal level. He’s painting more than a historic island - he’s trying to capture the very soul of this timeless legend.

Signed in the lower right, framed and glazed.