Artwork preview

Caernarvon Castle (Night)

Paul Sandby

National Gallery of Art

The image shows Caernarvon Castle from a distance, with a body of water in the foreground. The castle dominates the right side of the scene, with buildings and towers meeting the sky at the horizon just above the water level. The brushstrokes are meticulous, capturing architectural details and light and shadow. The color palette is mainly sepia, giving the image an aged feel. A figure with a horse is near the water's edge, while sailboats can be seen in the distance. Buildings with illuminated windows are visible, reflecting on the water. The sky is partly cloudy, with the moon shining through breaks in the clouds, creating a peaceful night setting.

Artwork Details

Date
1776
Medium
etching, aquatint, and lift-ground aquatint printed in brown on laid paper
Dimensions
10470 × 7953 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original