An original 1846 watercolour painting, Attrib. Lady Charlotte Canning, Grand Hall, Highcliffe Castle.

This charming watercolour shows the interior of the Grand Hall at Highcliffe Castle in Dorset, with its prominent medieval stonework which had been salvaged from the ruined Benedictine Abbey of St Peter at Jumieges and the Grand' Maison des Andelys in Normandy.

Highcliffe Castle was built between 1831 and 1835 by Charles Stuart, 1st Baron Stuart de Rothesay. Both of his daughters became artists, and the informal view of this interior, with a child's toy positioned in the foreground, suggests that it was likely painted by a family member. The style of the watercolour resembles that of Charlotte (1817–1861) rather than Louisa Anne (1818–1891).

In 1835 Charlotte Stuart married the Hon. Charles Canning, only remaining son of the former Prime Minister, George Canning, and she became Countess Canning. From 1842 to 1855, Lady Canning served as a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria and was a favourite of the monarch. Charles Canning was appointed Governor-General of India from 1856 to 1858 and then Viceroy of India until 1862. Charlotte would become one of India's most prolific women artists, her particular interest being botany. She collected flowers and plants during her frequent trips around India, while drawing the natural scenes around her.

In watercolour with brown ink and white bodycolour highlights. On grey paper.