Page 132 - cn - er - The Spirit of Belvoir Studio 25-10-2022 update concise version

Belvoir represents two aesthetic approaches to relating to nature ; namely Arcadian and Romantism.
Capability Brown’s vision and intentions for Belvoir were Arcadian in principal . In the case of Elizabeth, the
concept was for the fashionable Romantic Movement and Gothic Revival.
The composition references two paintings painted by Gaspard Dughet {1615—1675}, which hang either side of
the Chapel alter. Both paintings were the inspiration for this ‘Alter Realist’ painting, in which the integration
of the left and right hand portions of the Dughet paintings and the central view of Belvoir from the outer
parkland are deliberately painted in the style of the era. The incorporation of the three aspects effectively
depicts the influences and eventual outcome to Belvoir’s landscape.
The Dughet paintings were likely purchased by the 3rd Duke of Rutland from Italy. In each painting a castle is
the focus in the central distant scene. The paintings were seen by Capability Brown on the occasion of being
shown around the castle in 1780.

‘Alter Realism’ - ‘The Inspired Landscape’
‘En plein air’,
Oil on Panel: 20x30 inches