Casgliadau Celf Arlein

Dear Mr Strang,

Thank you very much for bringing this error to our attention. Our Art department recently discussed this painting's attribution with Patrick Noon, prior to its being included in a loan exhibition. They can confirm that the attribution to Richard Parkes Bonington is no longer supported, and accordingly it is now ascribed here to 'British School, 19th Century'. Please accept our apologies that the correction was not made to this catalogue entry at the time.

Best wishes,

Marc
Digital Team

Sorry, but this painting is certainly not by Bonington (who was born in 1802, not 1801). It is rightly not included in Patrick Noon's catalogue raisonne of Bonington's paintings published in 2008. It is unprofessional for a national museum (!!) to maintain such an attribution. 'Follower of Bonington' would be appropriate.

Whilst not one of Bonningtons most typical, or best works, it still represents that same light touch that Bonnington brought to his most famous oeuvre, that being his French coastal and historical scenes, also painted in oils. As a contemporary of Turner, also produced some of the greatest water colour paintings of seascapes and City scenes, especially Rouen. Turner is recorded as saying that if he had lived to full maturity, he would not have had a living. Sadly died of TB at the tender age of 28. To see the most comprehensive collection of Bonningtons, well worth visiting the Wallace Collection in Hertford House, London. Just a pity that this picture not currently on view.