251 'WINDSOR CASTLE, EVENING'
by Alfred de Breanski, Snr (1852-1928)

There are over 1,000 years of history behind this fabulous view, appropriately depicted at eventide. The wonderful, almost fairy-tale Windsor Castle, actually the largest inhabited castle in the world, is one of the most impressive structures to be found anywhere. In 1897, when this painting was completed, it acted as a Royal Residence to Queen Victoria, head of the most powerful empire on earth. The castle was first founded by The Duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror. Before then it was one of the royal palaces built by Edward the Confessor, but given to the Church. Having successfully invaded Britain and defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William rapidly aquired many strategic positions across the length and breadth of England, particularly this palace above Windsor. He exchanged this property with less significant tenements held in Suffolk and Essex. Overlooking the River Thames in Wyndshore, as it was then called, this place would act as a fortress from which to observe and protect the western approaches to London Town. Not least of the advantages of this site was the richly forested and well stocked land. The hill itself strategically extended down to the banks of the Thames. In those years a forest meant good hunting and a supply of venison for the King's table, and food for the soldiers as well. Most of the earlier British sovereigns added to the castle during their reigns. Easily recognisable in this view is the dominating Round Tower built in the reign of Henry II, and the gothic St George's chapel to the right, rebuilt by the order of Edward IV.

This painting is an attractive example of de Breanski Senior's work. The last of the evening sun illuminates the top reaches of the castle while also bathing the river in a golden glow. Further down, cottages can be seen in the woods, and below them the ferry is moored for the night, the ferryman probably enjoying his evening brew. The feeling of tranquillity and quietness is re-inforced by the reflection of the castle in the river and the fishermen trying their luck from the near shore.

The Royal Standard flutters high above the castle to denote the presence of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, together with her army of household staff. Here since Norman and Plantagenet times have lived many Kings and Queens of England: the Tudor monarchs, the Stuarts, the Oranges, the Hanovers. Like the population itself over the many centuries, the Royalty of England immigrated whether from France, Scotland, Holland or Germany. Each Inheriting the Crown after William the Conqueror through Royal birthright, they assimilated with their surroundings, settling down to make this land safe and plentiful for their subjects. Windsor Castle itself represents the important continuity for 1000 years and all subsequent generations to feel secure within.

However, to add contrast to such stability, there is a gripping story about a scheming and wicked ghost named "Herne the Hunter" who haunted Windsor Great Park for centuries. Since unfortunate trickery by Richard II's forest keepers led to his demise, Herne's apparition as a chained and horned ghost, caused nothing but trouble for seven reigning monarchs. The story of Herne, is spicily woven by Harrison Ainsworth into his 19th. Century novel *"Windsor Castle", in which such details - of the kitchens; the staff; the influence of court jesters; how Cardinal Wolsey and Ann Boleyn fell foul of their monarch - were depicted in such richness. There is probably no paralleled account as gripping. *(Published by Geo. Routledge and Son 1875).

At first glance of this picture, de Breanski's composition seems to depict the castle as a lonely and nostalgic place. It certainly is not lonely, but it does represent the ending of the great Victorian era. Most of the natural inhabitants and even the few human visitors are in groups or pairs; the swans, the cows, the birds and even the fishermen! All must be right with the British Empire, one feels, as indeed - in 1897 - it generally was !

But there were other things drawing to a close, besides the day, when de Breanski recorded this view. Both Queen Victoria's life and the very century itself, probably the most successful and active period of British History - were drawing to a close. And not far away, in Europe, formidable plans for the invasion of Britain were being hatched - plans which led to two world wars and for the end of the Royal cousins in Russia. Fascist and Communist dictators were separately plotting their major changes for Europe and this tranquil place for ever. Was it God's will that Windsor Castle still to this day, has remained impregnable, and that Herne the Hunter has been excorcised forever?

Alfred de Breanski Senior was a prolific landscape painter who worked both in oils and in watercolour. Although painting many pictures of the River Thames, he travelled widely, spending considerable time in the Welsh and Scottish mountains, and was especially admired for his sunset scenes. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1872, when he was only twenty years old, continuing to exhibit at that institution until 1890. He lived in central London before moving out to Lewisham. Alfred's brother, Gustave, and his two sons were also noted artists. (Also available in the collection is De Breanski's "Knaresborough Castle" and "Highland Scene")