Who painted The Beautiful Stranger poisond by her Sister?

The Beautiful Stranger poisond by her Sister was painted by Henry William Bunbury in 1785.

Where can I see The Beautiful Stranger poisond by her Sister?

The Beautiful Stranger poisond by her Sister is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is The Beautiful Stranger poisond by her Sister?

The Beautiful Stranger poisond by her Sister is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

The Beautiful Stranger poisond by her Sister

Henry William Bunbury , 1785

The Beautiful Stranger poisond by her Sister is a watercolor work on paper by the Rococo painting artist Henry William Bunbury. It dates from 1785 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Beautiful Stranger poisoned by her Sister is a watercolour created by Henry William Bunbury in 1785, potentially one of eight illustrations for *Arabian Nights Entertainments* exhibited at the Royal Academy that year.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a dramatic, intimate scene of a woman in distress, lying on a bed or couch, apparently poisoned by her sister. The setting is a dimly lit, private interior with subtle architectural hints in the background.

Technique & Style

Bunbury employed a latticed backdrop, a recurring motif in his oeuvre (also seen in SP129), and a single warm light source to create a contemplative atmosphere. The style shows affinities with the emerging Romantic movement.

History & Provenance

The watercolour was acquired at a Bonhams auction in December 1973 for £10. Its potential connection to *Arabian Nights Entertainments* links it to Bunbury's illustrative work for the publication.

Context

Created in 1785, the piece reflects the late 18th-century interest in Orientalist themes, as popularized by works like *Arabian Nights Entertainments*. The latticed design may also allude to contemporary decorative arts influences.

Legacy

While not widely recognized as a defining work of the Romantic movement, *The Beautiful Stranger poisoned by her Sister* contributes to the broader understanding of Bunbury's illustrative contributions and the evolving artistic tastes of his time.