Lot 140
Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell R.S.A., R.S.W (Scottish 1883-1937) ◆
Iona Abbey, Interior
Auction: 5 December 2019 at 18:00 GMT
Description
Signed, oil on canvas
Dimensions
77cm x 51cm (30.25in x 20in)
Footnote
Provenance: With British National Oil Corporation until 1994 when acquired by the current owner
Note:
Transporting the viewer to the stone covered interior of Iona Abbey through his realistic portrayal of light, shadow and texture, Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell’s Iona Abbey is a strikingly life-like composition. Using a palette of purples, blues and greens, Cadell communicates the cool interior. Light pours through and illuminates the Abbey windows, casting shadows and drawing attention to the detailed structure of the building. Cadell celebrates the place with his variety of colour, texture and light.
Founded by St Columba, the Abbey is a key landmark on the island, and a structure that signifies the important religious history of the place. The isle of Iona, and the Abbey, have been a major centre of Christian worship since the arrival of St Columba and his companions in 563 AD. The site of religious pilgrimage, Iona is recognised by people around the world as a special, sacred place.
The distinctive beauty of the island, the ever-changing weather, cerulean seas and distinctive light was the perfect subject for simple, lyrical landscapes. Cadell first visited Iona in 1912 and, captivated by its wonderful atmosphere, he was to return nearly every summer for the rest of his life. The beauty of the island provided Cadell with some twenty years of inspiration.
Surprisingly true to life, Cadell creates a visual feast in Iona Abbey, a celebration of both spiritual and artistic pilgrimage of this important Scottish location.