John Le Capelain - Jersey Landscapes #5

John le Capelain (1812-1846) - Countryside landscape scene
Jersey Stamp issued 1987

John le Capelain was a self taught painter who was popular during his lifetime in Jersey.  In 1846 his paintings were included in a book that was presented to Queen Victoria and he was commissioned to complete another set of landscapes on the Isle of Wight.  Unfortunately for him, he contracted tuberculosis while on the Isle of Wight, dying thereafter in 1848.

John le Capelain - Landscapes from Jersey (Pt 4)

John de Capetain - Jersey Landscapes

Jersey Stamp issued 1987

In contrast to some works by de Captain, this painting depicts a sea at peace.  The waves gently lap at the shore of a large beach, possibly at sunset.  This painting is very similar to the work of Joseph Turner, with haze in the distance.  

John le Capelain - Landscapes from Jersey (Pt 3)

John le Capelain - Landscapes from Jersey

Jersey 31p Stamp issued 1987

We're seeing a regular pattern here, for this painter who lived in Jersey, which is part of the Channel Islands.  Once again, he shows a mastery for composing light in this landscape of a well developed harbour - perhaps this is not your typical landscape for a rural outpost in the sea.  I like the way light disperses from behind a dark cloud that is fully centred in this painting.  The sea appears rough, with an ability to overwhelm people in their small boats.  

John le Capelain - Landscapes from Jersey (Pt 2)

John le Capetain - Landscape painter

Jersey 34p Stamp issued 1987

Le Capetain has depicted the landscape in an expansive and somewhat threatening manner in this painting, as the sea waves smash into the coastline - no peaceful coves or sandy beaches here.  The people in this painting  appear to be quite calm, but you feel as though they may be swept away by the overwheming strength of the waves - they would just disappear from the painting in a few seconds.  Again, it's really misty, but we still see enough of the landscape to be impressed by it.

This is the second in this series of five 1987 Jersey Christmas stamps that I've managed to collect.

John le Capelain - Landscapes from Jersey (Pt 1)

John Le Capelain (1812-1848)  - Title not known

Jersey 11p Stamp issued 1987 (Christmas)

It's been a little difficult to find information on the 19th century artists who painted in the style of Turner.  I've recently managed to locate the complete collection of stamps that depict his art, so these will be uploaded on the next few days.

I really like the way Le Capelain depicts light in the moody conditions that must be part of life in the Channel Islands - it really makes you want to go and visit Jersey.