Drawing techniques: the Claude Glass
Claude Lorrain (1600-82) was a leading 17th-century landscape painter who worked in Rome and became famous for drawings and paintings displaying a subtle gradation of tones. His work became immensely popular in England in the 18th century.
A Claude glass is a slightly convex tinted mirror, which was supposed to help artists produce works of art similar to those of Claude. The Reverend William Gilpin, an amateur artist, advocated the use of a Claude glass saying, 'they give the object of nature a soft, mellow tinge like the colouring of that Master'. The convex nature of the mirror shaped a large scene into a neat view, and the tinting (which was often sepia or brown) helped artists to see the relative tonal values of the view.
Many 18th-century artists and landscape theorists were interested in the effects of Claude glasses. They were widely used by tourists (who viewed scenery via the mirror to give the real live view the required 'mellow tinge') and amateur artists.
Attributed to Claude Lorrain (1600-1682) Landscape scenes Pen and wash
Claude Glass, Manufactured in England, 18th century
The Reverend William Gilpin (1724-1804) View from the bank of a river Watercolour
Robert Macpherson (1811-1872) Convent of San Cosimato Late 1850s Photograph: albumen print from dry collodion negative
British Design 1948–2012: Innovation in the Modern Age
31 March–12 August 2012
Showcasing over 300 British design objects, this exhibition celebrates the best of British post-war art and design from the 1948 ‘Austerity Games' to the summer of 2012.
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Looking at Glass: A Guide to Terms, Styles and Techniques
An essential guide to glass and its production offering definitions and descriptions of a wide range of glass terminology.
Buy nowEvent - British Design 1948-2012:
Sat 31 March 2012–Sun 12 August 2012
EXHIBITION: Celebrate the best of British post-war art and design from the 1948 ‘austerity’ games to the
summer of 2012. The exhibition highlights significant moments in the history of British design and how the country continues to nurture artistic talent and be a world leader in creativity and design.
