Artwork
Baskets
Baskets is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Edward William Cooke. It dates from 1833 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Edward Cooke’s 1833 pencil drawing, softened with faint tints, records a pair of fishing baskets placed on the ground. One basket lies on its side, its contents—several small, round objects—spilling onto the surface. The composition is informal, capturing a moment of everyday utility rather than a staged scene.
Subject & Meaning
The work presents ordinary fishing equipment, emphasizing the worn, utilitarian nature of the baskets. By showing a tipped basket with its contents exposed, Cooke hints at the routine labor and occasional mishaps inherent in a fisherman's life, offering a quiet glimpse into 19th‑century coastal work.
Technique & Style
Executed in pencil with subtle color washes, the drawing relies on rapid, sketch‑like strokes. Cross‑hatching creates tonal variation, while the tight, criss‑crossed lines convey the texture of the woven material. The overall handling is loose, suggesting a preparatory study rather than a finished, polished piece.
History & Provenance
Created in 1833, the drawing is attributed to Edward Cooke, an artist known for documenting rural and maritime subjects. Its provenance traces back to private collections before entering a museum archive, where it has been used to illustrate period fishing practices.
Artist & collection
