RSA Scottish Art

The Norman Arch

Small web image of The Norman ArchArtist: David Young Cameron
Title: The Norman Arch
Year: c. 1918
Medium: oil on canvas
Dimensions:
Suggested topic:
Source: RSA Diploma Collection
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Description: David Young Cameron is best known for his vivid oil paintings of the hills and lochs of Scotland. He was also a fine water-colourist and a very successful etcher. Cameron was interested in architecture and he painted both street scenes and individual buildings. A devout Christian, he was particularly interested in churches. This painting shows part of the interior of Winchester Cathedral, called The Norman Arch, and this detail shows us only a tiny fragment of the magnificent building. The Cathedral was constructed partly in Norman times with other parts added on right up until the 17th century. Since then there have been further additions in the 19th century. Perhaps Cameron chose this simple arch as it is part of the original early Norman construction. Cameron has carefully modelled the sunlit surfaces of the stone to show their smooth texture and subtle undulations. Areas of shadow offer a tonal balance to the brighter patches, and give the viewer a feeling of the space, including a tantalising glimpse of the spectacular nave beyond. Cameron has used a limited palette which nevertheless expresses the subtle beauty of the stone and the warm tone of the interior.The use of an upright format emphasises the height of the structure, and the subtle variations in light reveal the complexities of its space and illumination. The dramatic verticals of this scene are contrasted with the angular steps and the smooth curving archways. Why do you think Cameron has focused his composition on this slender section of arch? It would be impossible to encompass the whole interior in one image. If you were painting the interior of a building you like, would you focus on one small detail, or try to fit the whole interior into your view?