John Brett - View Of Sandsfoot Castle, Weymouth (gb) - Watercolor - Signed - Circa 1880

A lively scene of a remarkable location on the south coast of England. This is Sandsfoot Castle, also known as Weymooth Castle, in Dorset. In the foreground, a fisherman in his boat. The ruins of Sandsfoot Castle overlook the sea, against a stormy sky. A ray of sunlight pierces the thick cloud cover. On the horizon, two sails can be seen. The silhouettes of two small figures can be seen on the rocks.

The work is in excellent condition, without any stains, tears, or foxing. It is signed lower right. On the reverse, we see the name of a former owner, as well as the location of the scene (with a spelling error on the name of the castle).
The work is presented in a modern frame, on which is fixed a plaque bearing the inscription John Brett ARA (Academician of the Royal Academy of Arts of London). The frame is also in excellent condition.

The artist
John Brett, was born in 1831 and died in 1902.
Brett was initially a follower of Pre-Raphaelitism, before specializing in the maritime landscapes for which he was renowned.

From the 1870s onward, he developed a true passion for the sea, even purchasing a large sailing ship sailed by a crew of 12 sailors, with which he would sail the Mediterranean. In the 1880s and beyond, he rented a castle in Wales each year and painted the coasts of southern and western Britain. The watercolor on offer was probably painted at this time.

Many museums in Great Britain and the Anglo-Saxon world hold some of his works. Famous during his lifetime, Brett saw his works at public auction well before his death. His success continues unabated. An exhibition was dedicated to him in 2001 at the National Museum of Wales.

Work visible at the gallery (07240)
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