Enchanted Castle

Maker John Martin (British, 1789-1854)

Collections

British Drawing Highlights

ClassificationsDRAWINGS

Date1852

Mediumblack ink and watercolor and opaque watercolor on wove paper mounted on board

Dimensions 9 1/2 x 16 3/8 in. (24.1 x 41.6 cm.)

SignedSignature; Date John Martin 1852

InscribedInscribed: To his gifted friend Wood / The enchanted Castle

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Gilbert Davis Collection

Status

Not on view

Label TextToward the end of his life, John Martin created The Enchanted Castle and dedicated it to his colleague and friend Wood, as the inscription in the bottom left corner suggests. This watercolor shows a mysterious ruined castle on top of a small hill, half cast in darkness by the shadow of large oak trees. An enigmatic figure lies draped over a large rock toward the bottom of the hill. Light permeates through the row of trees, but otherwise the scene is shrouded in darkness, lending a sense of foreboding (2022).

Object number59.55.897

Terms