Cozens, Alexander (1717 – 1786) – Composition with a Castle and Classical Ruins on a River.

The impressive scale, complex composition and high level of finish of this work make it a rarity. We see Cozens pulling together a number of elements that might each be examples of his smaller works (Cf. No.17). This is, in essence, a complete essay in landscape composition. Perhaps it is one of the large-scale works Cozens is known to have exhibited, or perhaps it was made for a private collector - a pupil or subscriber to his writings - to hang on their wall. Other examples of large-scale works can be found in the Tate and the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester.