Early 19th century painting of Wakefield Yorkshire

Description

Attributed to John Cawthorn topographical painter fl 1804-1015, also known as a junior.

early 19th-century Wakefield Cathedral oil painting

Original painting of Wakefield parish church(Wakefield Cathedral) circa 1807

This painting is one of the oldest surviving original oil paintings of Wakefield Cathedral Yorkshire

John Cawthorn made topographical paintings throughout Yorkshire in 1804-1807, these paintings were engraved by the likes of Joseph Smith,

Very competently painted in the 18th-century style.

The painting has been cleaned and restored with some over-painting and has been relined. unframed

Brief History of John Cawthorn
John Cawthorn was an English writer and artist who lived during the early 19th century. He is best known for his work as a topographical artist, producing detailed illustrations and engravings of landscapes and townscapes throughout England. Cawthorn was particularly interested in the Yorkshire region, and many of his topographical views of the area are still admired and studied today.

Cawthorn was born in Hull, Yorkshire, in 1775, and spent much of his life exploring the region’s towns, villages, and countryside. He was a skilled artist and engraver, and his works often depicted the distinctive character of the Yorkshire landscape, with its rolling hills, wide open fields, and picturesque villages.

One of Cawthorn’s most notable works is his book, “A Set of Views in Yorkshire,” which was first published in 1813. The book contains a series of engravings of Yorkshire’s most famous landmarks and landscapes, including Fountains Abbey, Knaresborough Castle, and Bolton Abbey. Each engraving is accompanied by a short description, highlighting the history and character of the location depicted.

Cawthorn’s illustrations and engravings are highly regarded for their accuracy and attention to detail. He often visited each location multiple times to ensure that his drawings were as precise and authentic as possible. This dedication to his craft helped to establish Cawthorn as one of the most important topographical artists of his time, and his works continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars and enthusiasts alike.

In addition to his work as an artist and engraver, Cawthorn was also a respected writer and poet. His works often celebrated the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Yorkshire, and his deep love for the region is evident in his writing and artwork. Today, Cawthorn’s topographical views of Yorkshire offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history and character during the early 19th century and continue to inspire and captivate those who study them.

Condition report:

Very good- has been cleaned and restored and the canvas has been relined