The Romantic Visions of Charles Robert Cockerell

by Ben Atlas on 06.2.2009.6:57am · 9 comments

I discovered C.R. Cockerell via bldgblog and what a wonderful lost art. The technique is the traditional wash (I have done a few of those). You take a very thick, quality paper and meticulously apply layer after layer of a much diluted ink. More layers of the wash, the darker is the spot. You then optionally can add watercolor or initially add color to the base ink. C.R. Cockerell has a profoundly romantic vision of the classical world. While a romantic vision of history is a cover-up, romantic visions in art are OK.

The Professors Dream, 1848

The Professors Dream, 1848

This wash is magnificent compilation of most known architectural monuments. Egypt at the base, moving on to the layer of classical Greek temples up to the dome of Roman Parthenon, through Gothic and Renaissance Cathedrals, Northern Italian brick towers and the full circle at the top with the mounting pyramids. Notably absent are any Asian or even Russian iconic buildings , never a part of the western classical curriculum.

The Professors Dream, Detail, 1848

The Professors Dream, Detail, 1848

The detail with Brunelleschi’s Dome in Florence right above the Rome Coliseum.

Baths of Caracalla, Rome: interior of the Tepidarium

Baths of Caracalla, Rome: interior of the Tepidarium

The proportions, the discipline of the Doric order:

Temple of Aphaia, Aegina: exterior orders

Temple of Aphaia, Aegina: exterior orders

Temple of Aphaia, Aegina: details of painted and gilded ornament

Temple of Aphaia, Aegina: details of painted and gilded ornament

Temple of Apollo Epikourios, Bassae: view of interior (engraving)

Temple of Apollo Epikourios, Bassae: view of interior (engraving)

Temple of Apollo Epikourios, Bassae: section

Temple of Apollo Epikourios, Bassae: section

Imaginary sectional view of the interior of the Ulpian Basilica, Rome

Imaginary sectional view of the interior of the Ulpian Basilica, Rome

Charles Robert Cockerell, Circa 1860

Charles Robert Cockerell, Circa 1860

Images license courtesy Royal Academy of Arts

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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }

1 writergal85 June 2, 2009 at 6:01 pm

Your web site is really really nice looking. Maybe I should think about using whatever your looking for the “blog” at least.

Reply

2 Ben Atlas June 2, 2009 at 9:05 pm

OK, thank you. I will help you, I told you.

Reply

3 writergal85 June 2, 2009 at 9:13 pm

I have a typo up there!

That's okay. You don't have to help me.

I should be able to figure these things out myself.

Reply

4 writergal85 June 2, 2009 at 9:14 pm

But I do appreciate the offer, it is very kind. I'd like help. I'm stubborn. I can get that boy from my web site class to help me.

Reply

5 Ben Atlas June 2, 2009 at 9:17 pm

you can fix the typo there is an edit function under “more”

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6 Ben Atlas June 2, 2009 at 9:19 pm

I am an expert and I would be happy to think this through with you:
http://benatlas.com/2009/02/recommendations-on-...

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7 writergal85 June 2, 2009 at 9:58 pm

link, profile and reblog this– that's what I see under MORE.

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8 writergal85 June 2, 2009 at 9:59 pm

What makes you an expert?

Reply

9 Ben Atlas June 3, 2009 at 10:49 am

you become and expert after multiple trials and errors

Reply

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