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The Pilgrimage to Canterbury, Thomas Stothard (1755-1834)
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Royal Cornwall Museum
The Pilgrimage to Canterbury, Thomas Stothard (1755-1834)
Oil on panel, English School, late 18th / early 19th century. Thomas Stothard was born in London and was apprenticed to a draughtsman of silk pattern designs in Spitalfields. When his master died, he attended the Royal Academy in 1778, was elected a Royal Academician in 1794 and, having been taken under the wing of Sir Joshua Reynolds, devoted much of his skill to engravings and illustrations. Stothard worked prodigiously, his family portraits funding much of his art schooling. He admired Rubens and although his paintings are often small in size, they reflect Rubens colours and composition. This painting shows just one small part of The Pilgrimage to Canterbury. The finished painting (Tate N01163) includes around thirty characters and is almost a metre in length. The engraver and publisher Robert Cromek commissioned this painting from Stothard. He then put it on display and charged visitors a shilling to see it. He also collected subscriptions for the forthcoming print of the painting. William Blake, then a close friend of Stothard, claimed that Cromek had commissioned a painting of the Canterbury Pilgrims from him first, but that Cromek had not liked his design and so took the commission to Stothard. Blake then accused Cromek and, through him, Stothard of copying his long, frieze-like composition. Blake was furious when Stothards resulting work spring boarded his career and brought about numerous important commissions. It is unlikely that Blakes accusations were well-founded, but the dispute effectively ended Blake and Stothards friendship
Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture
TRURI : 1931.47
Media ID 19649908
© RIC
Artist Artwork Black Blue Brown Colourful Colours Cornwall Grey Horse Horses Painting People Pink White Woman Women Chaucer Monks Tales
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases Thomas Stothard's masterpiece, "The Pilgrimage to Canterbury". Painted in the late 18th or early 19th century, this oil on panel artwork exemplifies Stothard's exceptional talent and his admiration for Rubens. Although only a small portion of the complete painting is depicted here, it gives us a glimpse into the intricate world he created. Commissioned by Robert Cromek, an engraver and publisher, this painting became quite controversial due to its disputed origins. William Blake, who was once close friends with Stothard, claimed that Cromek had initially approached him for a similar work but rejected his design. Instead, Cromek turned to Stothard and accused them both of copying Blake's composition. This dispute ultimately severed their friendship. Despite the controversy surrounding its creation, "The Pilgrimage to Canterbury" propelled Stothard's career forward and garnered significant attention from art enthusiasts. The finished painting features around thirty characters and spans almost one meter in length. Stothard's journey as an artist began when he apprenticed under a silk pattern designer in Spitalfields before attending the prestigious Royal Academy in London. His family portraits helped fund his artistic education while also showcasing his immense skill. Through this mesmerizing print of "The Pilgrimage to Canterbury" we are transported into a world where artistry meets controversy and friendships are tested. It serves as a testament to Stothard's remarkable talent as well as the complexities that often accompany success in the art world.
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