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Rievaulx Abbey, Yorkshire
Girtin, born 1775 - died 1802 - Enlarge image
Rievaulx Abbey, Yorkshire
- Object:
Watercolour
- Place of origin:
England, Great Britain (painted)
- Date:
1798 (painted)
- Artist/Maker:
Girtin, born 1775 - died 1802 (artist)
- Materials and Techniques:
Watercolour
- Museum number:
FA.499
- Gallery location:
Prints & Drawings Study Room, level F, case PD, shelf 297
Thomas Girtin (1775-1802) achieved much as an artist during his short life. Like so many painters of the ‘Romantic’ period, he often chose to depict ruined abbeys and castles. Here he draws the architecture of the abbey in an accurate but lively manner. The figure examining the building on the right introduces a human element.
Monks of the Cistercian order founded the monastery of Rievaulx in the 12th century. The Cistercians chose isolated sites close to water to carry out their life of prayer and work. Rievaulx fell into ruin after Henry VIII (ruled 1509-1547) closed down the monasteries.
