Edward Frederick Brewtnall (1846-1902)
The Cloud's Turmoil, the Sun's Fierce Molten Fire
Cecilia Kennedy (née Richmond) and thence by descent
This elegiac painting of 1874 revisits the romantic vision of the Ancients, the group of young artists that Richmond, Palmer and Calvert formed around the figure of William Blake, 4 years before the great artist’s death in 1828. A crossroads at sunset on a heath seems freighted with meaning; as the light fails, a horseman takes the road down off the wild and dangerous heath, towards comfort and safety. In October of the year it was painted, Richmond’s youngest daughter Cecilia married and chose the picture for a wedding present, whilst George’s brother Thomas was in his final illness, and died the month after.
