Who painted Drawings of a squared column and an arch?

Drawings of a squared column and an arch was painted by George Chinnery in 8.

Where can I see Drawings of a squared column and an arch?

Drawings of a squared column and an arch is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Drawings of a squared column and an arch?

Drawings of a squared column and an arch is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Drawings of a squared column and an arch

George Chinnery , 8

Drawings of a squared column and an arch is a drawing by the Romanticist artist George Chinnery. It dates from 8 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The work consists of a pair of pen-and-ink drawings attributed to George Chinnery. One depicts a squared column or pilaster, the other a semicircular arch. Both images are rendered in a monochrome palette, relying on line and shading rather than colour. The compositions are minimal, presenting the architectural elements alone without surrounding context.

Subject & Meaning

The drawings focus on basic architectural forms: a rectilinear column and a curved arch, each a staple of classical construction. By isolating these elements, Chinnery emphasizes their geometric qualities and the interplay of solid and void, inviting viewers to consider the structural logic of built space.

Technique & Style

Chinnery employs fine cross‑hatching to model volume, using closely spaced parallel lines to suggest light and shadow. The crisp, controlled strokes give the forms a sense of depth while maintaining a flat, graphic quality. This approach reflects a 19th‑century drawing practice that predates photographic realism, relying on line work to convey three‑dimensionality.

History & Provenance

The drawings are catalogued as works on paper by George Chinnery, an artist active in the early 1800s who worked extensively in Asia. Their provenance traces to private collections before entering a museum holding, though specific acquisition details remain limited. The pieces exemplify Chinnery’s interest in architectural study alongside his more widely known portraiture.

Artist & collection

Artist

George Chinnery

George Chinnery (Chinese: 錢納利; 5 January 1774 – 30 May 1852) was an English painter who spent most of his life in Asia, especially India and southern China.