Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell RSA RSW

(British, 1883-1937)

Iona

Footnotes

Provenance
Ian MacNicol, Glasgow.
Private collection, UK; thence by descent to the present owner.

Cadell's Iona paintings embody what can be considered the essence of the Colourist philosophy — an approach to art that celebrates light, colour, and a deep connection with one's subject. As T. J. Honeyman, biographer of the Scottish Colourists and the man who coined the term, remarked, Cadell's Iona series are the "archetypal Colourist pictures."

Cadell first visited Iona in 1912, and the small and very beautiful island had an immediate and lasting impact on him and his practice; an impact that would be felt across much 20th century Scottish painting to come. Drawn to the island's raw natural beauty, Cadell soon found himself returning for extended stays of three to five months each year. But it was not just the landscape that captivated him; the profound sense of spirituality that has long drawn visitors to Iona also resonated deeply with him.

While serving during the First World War, Cadell expressed his desire to return, sharing his thoughts with fellow Scottish Colourist, Samuel John Peploe:

"When the War is over I shall go to the Hebrides, recover some virtues I have lost. There is something marvellous about those western seas. Oh, Iona. We must all go together."
(A. Strang et al, S. J. Peploe, Edinburgh, 2012, p. 24)

Peploe followed Cadell's invitation in 1920 and was equally enchanted by Iona. For both artists, the island became a central theme in their work for the rest of their careers. Their shared visits, exploring the small but rich landscape, were characterized by a sense of ease and camaraderie, which can be seen in the expressive, almost spontaneous way in which they captured the surroundings.

One of Cadell's most remarkable achievements in his Iona paintings is his ability to portray the changing light. In the present work which depicts Cathedral Rock at the North End of the island, he masterfully contrasts areas of intense brightness — where the sun dances off sand and rocks — with pings of deep blue to represent shadowed sections. This technique creates a dynamic yet harmonious tapestry of colour and tone, which fills the scene with life.