About this artwork
Following a trip to Egypt in 1908-09, Cameron visited France. Amiens is the principal city and ancient capital of Picardy, and its Gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame is especially noted for the fine array of sculptures on the main façade and in the south transept. This print shows the chimera on one of the buttresses of the Cathedral. Chimera are gargoyles that are formed from parts of different animals. They were traditionally placed on the upper levels of buildings to serve as rainwater spouts, but were also believed to guard the building from evil spirits. This print was undoubtedly inspired by Cameron’s friend Charles Meryon’s etching of 1853, which shows the chimera ‘Le Stryge’ on the parapet of Notre-Dame in Paris.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Sir David Young Cameron (1865 - 1945) Scottish
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title:The Chimera of Amiens
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date created:1910
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materials:Etching touched with drypoint on paper
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measurements:Platemark (rectangular) : 24.10 x 18.40 cm (image within an oval)
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object type:
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credit line:The Hon. Gertrude Forbes-Sempill Gift 1955
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accession number:P 2324
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gallery:
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subject:
Sir David Young Cameron
Sir David Young Cameron
Cameron was a successful painter and a very influential etcher. Strong tonal contrasts characterise his prints and his stark and dramatic paintings, which are mainly landscapes and cityscapes. He studied at Glasgow School of Art before joining life classes at the Royal Scottish Academy. His work...