This dramatic view across the south transept of Ewenny Priory is based upon notes and a pencil sketch which Turner made during his 1795 tour of South Wales. This highly finished exhibition watercolour was shown at the Royal Academy in 1797 where it moved a reviewer to write: "In point of colour and effect this is one of the grandest drawings we have ever seen, and equal to the best pictures of Rembrandt." The priory church of St Michael, Ewenny, was founded by William de Londres, Lord of Ogmore. It was built in about 1115-20 as a Benedictine foundation for a prior and ten to fifteen monks. The figure of a knight on the altar tomb at the right of the picture, is probably Sir Paganus de Turberville of Coity, a twelfth century benefactor of the Priory. Text by: Department of Art, National Museums & Galleries of Wales