Thomas GirtinBritish, 1775–1802Durham Cathedral and Castle
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “Durham Cathedral and Castle” now? Collection: J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles. Not on view at present. Checked October 7, 2026.
Los Angeles, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
The vibrant watercolor depicts Durham Cathedral and Castle, set prominently on a rocky outcrop high above the River Wear, amidst the moving light of a bright, cloudy sky. The view is taken from the river bank, looking up at the scene, and this contributes to the dramatic structure of the composition. Durham Cathedral and the adjacent castle, both solid medieval structures, were popular subjects for painters and watercolor artists of the period, who were attracted to the setting and their history. Girtin used a famously wide palette, with many more tints and sub-tints than other artists, visible here in the huge range of browns and grays in the stonework. These effects of light are contrasted with dark greens and browns, a technique unusual at the time. Girtin died of tuberculosis aged only 27, and his rival J.M.W. Turner is reputed to have said “Had poor Tom lived, I would have starved.”
J. Paul Getty Museum
Details
- Accession number
- 2010.35
In the catalog
Sources
- J. Paul Getty Museum
- Image: J. Paul Getty Museum — Open Content
