View of Penzance, Cornwall, a milkmaid and cattle in the foreground, and St Michael's Mount beyond

This painting of Penzance must post-date 1838, because the prominent church of St. Mary was consecrated in 1836, and the Market House, whose dome is also just visible, was completed in 1838. Across the bay, St. Michael's Mount can be seen. Founded in 1135 as a Benedictine sister-priory of Mont St. Michel, the Mount was transformed into a military garrison under King Henry V. It remained a point of strategic importance until the end of the Civil War, during which it was held for the Royalist cause. Since that date, the Mount has been the home of the St Aubyn family. Richard Pentreath lived and worked around Penzance throughout his life, and painted a number of views of the town. The angle used in this painting is similar to that of another of his pictures, View of Penzance from near Castle Horneck (known from an engraving).

An exhibition of Richard Pentreath's work, curated by Alison Bevan, will be held at the Penlee House Gallery and Museum in Penzance, from 25 November 2006 to 6 January 2007. We are grateful to Alison Bevan for her assistance in preparing this catalogue note.