Artwork

Saint John's Hospital, Canterbury

Saint John's Hospital, Canterbury, by Peter De Wint, watercolor, 1845
Saint John's Hospital, Canterbury, by Peter De Wint, watercolor, 1845

Saint John's Hospital, Canterbury is a watercolor drawing by the Romanticist artist Peter De Wint. It dates from 1845 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Saint John's Hospital, Canterbury is a watercolor drawing by Peter De Wint, dated 1845, currently in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a serene scene of everyday life in a historic Canterbury street, featuring old buildings, pedestrians, and domestic details like laundry, conveying a sense of quiet activity.

Technique & Style

Characterized by soft color palette (whites, grays, muted greens) and a hazy sky, the work employs quick, loose brushstrokes typical of contemporary watercolor practices, possibly incorporating glazing techniques to achieve depth and light effects.

History & Provenance

Created in 1845 by Peter De Wint, the piece is now part of the National Gallery of Art's collection in Washington, D.C., with no detailed provenance provided for the period between its creation and acquisition.

Context

Reflecting the artistic trends of its time, the watercolor aligns with the period's emphasis on capturing light and everyday life, though specific contextual influences or inspirations for this particular work are not detailed.

Legacy

While the work's broader impact or notable exhibitions are not highlighted, it remains a representative example of De Wint's style and the watercolor techniques of the mid-19th century.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Peter De Wint

Artist

Peter De Wint

Peter De Wint (1784–1849) was an artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.