Craig Miller Castle (John Clerk of Eldin)
This etching depicts a mysterious, abandoned castle. The castle appears to be almost lost in the foliage of the trees, that have grown up all around it. The name of this castle, is the Craigmiller Castle. It was a powerful monument of power in its day, but the years have not been kind to it. The picture is drawn looking up, as if the artist is sitting on the forest floor.
It is one of several Scottish castles that were etched by a European artist by the name of John Clerk. He sketched many castles, but never received much credit for them. He often added his own ideas or touches and some of his works are complete fantasy etchings. He was an 18th century artist who leaned towards romantic works. He was believed to first start drawing in the 1740's, and was heavily influenced by another artist, Paul Sandby. He is said to have over 100 some etchings. He was considered a self taught artist and created most of his drawings late in life. At the time of his death most of his drawings and prints were kept by his family. Some of his works were considered to be of fairly high quality, considering his humble beginnings.
It is one of several Scottish castles that were etched by a European artist by the name of John Clerk. He sketched many castles, but never received much credit for them. He often added his own ideas or touches and some of his works are complete fantasy etchings. He was an 18th century artist who leaned towards romantic works. He was believed to first start drawing in the 1740's, and was heavily influenced by another artist, Paul Sandby. He is said to have over 100 some etchings. He was considered a self taught artist and created most of his drawings late in life. At the time of his death most of his drawings and prints were kept by his family. Some of his works were considered to be of fairly high quality, considering his humble beginnings.