Salem (Vosper painting)
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| Artist | Sydney Curnow Vosper |
| Year | 1908 |
| Type | Watercolour on paper |
| Dimensions | 71.1 cm × 69.8 cm (28.0 in × 27.5 in) |
| Location | Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight, Wirral |
Salem is a 1908 painting by the English painter Sydney Curnow Vosper, depicting a scene within Capel Salem, a Baptist Chapel in Pentre Gwynfryn, North Wales. It is noteworthy as a depiction of Welsh piety, the traditional Welsh national costume, and for a contentious belief that the devil is depicted within it. Mass reproductions throughout the early and mid 20th century ensured the image became famous throughout Britain.
The painting has been described as an icon of Wales, much as The Hay Wain is iconic of England.
In 2013 it was used in the first season of the Welsh police detective drama series Hinterland, in the episode "Devil's Bridge".
Vosper had found success as a watercolour painter before coming to Wales; he had exhibited work in galleries throughout England, and at the Paris Salon and the Royal Academy in London. He was noted for his paintings of people, particularly the people of Le Faouët in Brittany. Vosper's Welsh paintings began with his marriage to Constance James of Merthyr Tydfil in 1902, and ended after her death in 1910.
Vosper first saw the chapel in 1906, not long after the "Welsh Revival". He had already painted many famous images of prayer and piety in Brittany, and it would seem the chapel and its congregation inspired him in much the same way.
Only one of the figures was actually a member of the chapel, Robert Williams of Caer Meddyg, a carpenter, farmer and deacon at Capel Salem, he can be seen on the far left beneath the clock. Next to him, and slightly obscured is Laura Williams of Ty'n-y-Buarth, Llanfair. Left of her, with his back against the wall is Owen Jones (commonly called Owen Siôn) of Carleg Coch. The small boy is Evan Edward Lloyd and by his side is Mary Rowland. On the extreme right with his head bowed, is William Jones (William Siôn), brother of Owen. Vosper paid each model 6d. (2.5p) an hour for sitting.
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