Caernarvon Castle

J T Allen

Oil on canvas

25 July 1882

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Image of Caernarvon Castle
  • About the work
    Location
    Country: Luxembourg
    City: Luxembourg
    Place: British Embassy

    This view shows the picturesque coast of North Wales, with Caernarvon Castle at the centre. The sea and coastline are littered with an array of small boats, people and animals. To the far right, the content of a cooking pot bubbles over a fire.

    Caernarvon Castle is one of the most impressive of the castles built by Edward I in Wales. It is located at the southern end of the Menai Strait, eight miles south west of Bangor. During Edward I’s invasion of Wales, this was an excellent strategic position from which to subdue the rebellious Welsh princes of Snowdonia. The castle was built in two phases; between 1283 and 1292 and between 1294 and 1330. The historic associations of the Castle, its scenic setting and impressive architecture attracted many picturesque painters of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Amongst the numerous artists who have painted views of the Castle are Richard Wilson (1714-1782), Paul Sandby (1725-1809), J. M. W. Turner, (1775-1851), Peter de Wint (1784-1849) and more recently John Piper (1903-1992).

  • About the artist
    Although several artists by the name of J. Allen are known to have exhibited in the late 19th century, virtually nothing is known of J. T. Allen. It has been suggested that he was a relative of the architect George Allen (1798-1847), whose architectural drawings were frequently exhibited at the Royal Academy.
  • Explore
    Places
    Wales, Caernarfon, Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd, River Seiont
    Subjects
    figurehead, rigging, fishing boat, rowing boat, sailor (civilian), animal husbandry, shepherd, topography, landscape C19th, genre, seascape/coastal scene, tree, cow, dog, horse, sheep, cloud, river, beach, wave, Welsh, man, 19th century costume, walking stick, backpack, fire spit, ensign (ship), castle, turret, sloop, schooner, ship, oar
    Materials & Techniques
    canvas, oil, oil painting
  • Details
    Artist
    J T Allen
    Title
    Caernarvon Castle
    Date
    25 July 1882
    Medium
    Oil on canvas
    Dimensions
    height: 63.60 cm, width: 97.50 cm
    Acquisition
    Purchased from Oscar & Peter Johnson, February 1968
    Inscription
    br [to right of fire]: J T Allen / 25 July 1882 [2nd 8 is damaged & unclear]
    GAC number
    7969