Artwork
Sketch for oil painting 'The Word of Life'
Sketch for oil painting 'The Word of Life' is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Joseph Clark. It dates from 1881 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This watercolour was made in 1881 by Joseph Clark as a study for his later oil painting The Word of Life. It shows a quiet moment inside, with a young girl reading the Bible to an older man.
Clark often used his own family as models. The scene probably shows his daughter and his father.
Check out more work by Clark, Joseph next.
Overview
This 1881 watercolour is a preparatory study for Joseph Clark's oil painting 'The Word of Life'. It depicts a serene domestic scene.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows a young girl reading the Bible to an older man, likely representing a familial, intergenerational moment. The models are probably Clark's own daughter and father, a common practice for the artist.
Technique & Style
Clark's watercolour demonstrates his skill in capturing expressive, intimate moments. The work is characteristic of his preparatory style, showcasing precise drawing and colour.
History & Provenance
The watercolour was created as a study for a later oil painting, indicating Clark's methodical approach to his work. It reflects his practice of making detailed preliminary studies before executing oil paintings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Joseph Clark painted small, delicate watercolors in the 1800s. His works include *A Young Girl Seated* (maybe his daughter “Poppie” at age 100 in 1926) and a sketch for *Private and Confidential*, both in soft washes.…
![A Young Girl Seated, [perhaps Annie Susan, known as Poppie, the daughter of the artist], by Joseph Clark](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/joseph-clark--a-young-girl-seated-perhaps-annie-susan-known-as-poppie-the--053607342d92fcb2-w320.webp)
