An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Rouen Cathedral, Sunrise1825
Artist: Richard Parkes Bonington
British, 1802–1828
sketchy image of skyline with buildings in browns and greys; lightening, slightly cloudy sky with bright clouds at bottom, grey sky in ULC
11 5/16 x 8 15/16 in. (28.73 x 22.7 cm)
15 11/16 x 18 7/16 x 2 1/4 in. (39.81 x 46.83 x 5.72 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on millboard
Painting
France
19th century
The Sheila C. and John L. Morgan Endowment for Art Acquisition
Once upon a time in the lively atmosphere of 19th-century Europe, there blossomed a remarkable talent named Richard Bonington. The world had barely begun to notice him when fate dealt a harsh blow; at just 25 years old, Bonington's life was tragically cut short. Yet within those fleeting years, he became a prolific virtuoso, leaving an indelible mark on the rich tapestry of European painting.
Art lovers and connoisseurs, with eyes like searching beacons, placed Bonington alongside the grand names of his time—Théodore Géricault and Eugène Delacroix. Together, they stood as the mighty pillars of French Romanticism. Across the English Channel, his influence echoed through the works of cherished landscape painters like John Constable and J. M. W. Turner, crafting a legacy that resonated through generations.
In the vibrant Artist’s Quarter, Bonington’s genius captured hearts and stirred souls. His paintings, awash with the seductive play of light and color, drew admirers and imitators alike—artists eager to be touched by the brilliance of his craft. Among them were two trusted companions, Delacroix and Paul Huet, who marveled at his work. The tale of Camille Corot adds another layer; he strolled through an art dealer's shop one fateful day and stood mesmerized by Bonington's paintings glimmering in the window. Inspired by that moment, Corot found his own calling—an artist awakened to the beauty of capturing life on canvas.
In the soft light of Rome in 1826, Corot painted an oil sketch that whispered of Bonington’s essence. This work, nestled in the folds of time, stands in quiet conversation with Bonington's Rouen sketch from 1825. While their subjects may seem simple—a landscape, a fleeting moment—the true artistry lay not in the portrayal itself, but in the delicate dance of swiftly recording the impressions of light, color, and atmosphere that nature so generously offered.
In this way, Richard Bonington, though his time on earth was brief, became a timeless spirit, eternally inspiring those who dared to dream and capture the world around them. His legacy—a harmonious blend of passion and craft—continues to paint the hearts of many, inviting all to witness the beauty nestled in fleeting moments.
About the artist
Inspiring wonder through the power of art. The Minneapolis Institute of Art enriches the community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures.
The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.
Address: 2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
The best place to view Minneapolis Institute of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.