Artwork
The Haunted House, Dieppe
The Haunted House, Dieppe is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Ambrose McEvoy. It dates from 1911 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Ambrose McEvoy’s 1911 watercolour entitled *The Haunted House, Dieppe* portrays a substantial, multi‑storey structure with a dark roof and pale walls, set against a cloudy, grey sky. The composition includes a prominent arched entrance, several windows, and a line of smaller adjoining buildings that recede into the background.
Subject & Meaning
The central building, suggested by its title to be a haunted house, dominates the scene, its stark architecture and muted palette evoking a somber, perhaps eerie atmosphere. The surrounding row of modest structures provides a sense of place within a coastal town, reinforcing the isolated character of the focal edifice.
Technique & Style
Executed in a realistic manner, the work demonstrates McEvoy’s precise handling of watercolour, capturing architectural details and surface textures. Careful modulation of light and shadow creates depth, while the limited colour range emphasizes the overcast sky and the building’s weathered appearance.
History & Provenance
Created in 1911, the painting reflects McEvoy’s early 20th‑century practice in watercolour. It remains identified by its original title and medium, and is catalogued among the artist’s known works, though specific ownership history is not recorded in the available sources.
Artist & collection
Artist
Arthur Ambrose McEvoy was an English artist. His early works are landscapes and interiors with figures, in a style influenced by James McNeill Whistler. Later he gained success as a portrait painter, mainly of women and…
