Artwork
Pirates at Cards
Pirates at Cards is a watercolor work on paper by the British Romanticist artist George Cattermole. It dates from 1825 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Pirates at Cards is a watercolour by George Cattermole, depicting a group of men engaged in a card game in a dimly lit, cluttered space.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows rough-looking men in old-fashioned attire, gathered around a table, with some standing nearby. The setting, possibly a tavern or den, is characterized by dark tones and a focus on the players' faces and hands.
Technique & Style
Cattermole used watercolour to create a moody atmosphere, emphasizing shadows and facial expressions. The artist's use of dark tones and attention to detail contributes to the overall sense of a crowded, informal space.
History & Provenance
The work was part of Richard Ellison's collection of 100 British watercolours, donated by his widow in 1860 and 1873 to help establish the National Collection of Water Colour Paintings.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Cattermole was a British painter and illustrator, chiefly in watercolours.
