ANDREW NICHOLL R.H.A. (1804–1886) "THE GIANTS CAUSEWAY" - REF No. 2039

Product Details

Watercolor: H: 13.18 in / 33.5 cm ; W: 19.88 in / 50.5 cm 

Frame: H: 21.85 in / 55.5 cm ; W: 28.34 in / 72 cm

Andrew Nicholl R.H.A. (1804–1886)

The Stack, Portmoon, The Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Medium: Watercolor on paper

Signed: Lower right. A. Nicholl R.H.A.

A finely rendered view of the Giant’s Causeway on the north coast of County Antrim, depicting a small rowing boat approaching the dramatic basalt cliffs and sea stacks at sunset. The warm glow of the setting sun illuminates the rugged coastline and tranquil sea, showcasing Nicholl’s mastery of atmosphere and light. Signed lower right A. Nicholl R.H.A.

Andrew Nicholl was one of Ireland’s foremost 19th-century landscape painters, celebrated for his sensitive watercolors of Irish scenery. A native of Belfast, he was a founding member of the Belfast Association of Artists and elected to the Royal Hibernian Academy in 1832. His works often combine topographical accuracy with a romantic sensibility, and examples are held in major collections including the Ulster Museum and the National Gallery of Ireland.

Andrew Nicholl was influenced by J.M.W. Turner and Thomas Creswick, as well as the Irish landscape watercolourists of the early Victorian period. His works often balance Romantic atmosphere with scientific and topographical clarity, making them both emotionally evocative and documentary in character.

So stylistically, this piece sits between Romanticism and Victorian topographical landscape painting, executed in delicate watercolour and pencil wash technique — a refined and atmospheric example of early to mid-19th century Irish Romantic landscape art.

Condition:

Excellent overall condition; colours remain fresh and unfaded. Presented in a gilt moulded frame with a mounted border under glass.

Provenance:
Private collection, Co. Antrim, Nothern Ireland.